Another of Chloe’s Monologue from Bitch Boxer by Charlotte Josephine
"See I met Jamie two months before my dad died, to the exact day..."
Overview of Bitch Boxer
Bitch Boxer by Charlotte Josephine is a raw and powerful exploration of grief, resilience, and love. Chloe’s monologues provide an intimate glimpse into her inner world, blending humor, heartbreak, and strength. This monologue reflects on her relationship with Jamie and the indelible connection she shared with her father, offering a poignant juxtaposition of love and loss.
Character Breakdown: Chloe
Name: Chloe
Age: Early 20s
Background: Chloe is a passionate and determined young woman from East London, grappling with the loss of her father and navigating a new relationship with Jamie. This monologue reveals her vulnerability and her deep emotional ties to her father.
Who the Character is Talking To in This Moment: Chloe addresses the audience directly, reflecting on her relationship with Jamie and her late father.
What’s Just Happened: Chloe is reminiscing about her father’s influence on her life and comparing it to her relationship with Jamie, revealing her ongoing struggle with grief.
The Monologue
See I met Jamie two months before my dad died, to the exact day. It’s like I met one just as the other was about to leave. Kinda like/ bringing it back to your chin to throw the other one.
And sometimes I think he was sent to me you know, to like/ help soften the blow of my dad. And then I think that’s just mad cus you know/ we met in a club when I was off my face on cherry sambuca/ I’m surprised he even fancied me at all/ I could hardly walk! The point is though/ he’s come along at a good time. And sometimes I can’t believe how lucky I am.
He’s proper perfect. Well/ as perfect as a bloke can be I suppose. I don’t like some of his trainers, and he’s got pretty awful taste in music, his feet are minging, and he’s got weird hands.
Sort of bumpy fingers/ so like when we hold hands they don’t quite fit right. It’s sumink I’ve tried to ignore but it’s always secretly bothered me. My hand fit perfectly in Dad’s.
I’d slip my hand in Dad’s whilst we walked to the shops or sumink and he’d look down at me and smile. We used to hold hands everywhere/ Dad and me, probably started as a way to stop me from running off/ little shit, but when I grew up a bit/ I still held his hand. Liked the feel of it. Got to that age though at some point where I didn’t want to hold Dad’s hand anymore, wasn’t cool. I remember finding excuses to pull away, looking for stuff in my pockets or faking this like/ burst of energy to run ahead. I could tell that he was hurt by it, but he never said nuffink.
And I kinda regret it now. I wish I’d just thought fuck you to the other kids in the playground and just held my dad’s hand forever/ but you don’t at that age.
Dad taught me to have pride, in myself and what I do. ‘Be proud of the decisions you make Chloe.’ Yes Dad. ‘But remember – mistakes are there to be learnt from. Now get back on the bags and sort it out.’ Yes Dad.
I wish I’d never been embarrassed/ I wish I’d been proud of holding Dad’s hand/ cus yeah, I miss it now sometimes. Jamie’s just don’t fit quite right.
BREAKING IT DOWN
"See I met Jamie two months before my dad died, to the exact day. It’s like I met one just as the other was about to leave. Kinda like/ bringing it back to your chin to throw the other one."
Commentary: Chloe’s use of boxing imagery ties her personal experiences to her identity as a fighter. Actors should deliver this section with a mix of wistfulness and hope, as Chloe reflects on Jamie’s serendipitous timing in her life.
"He’s proper perfect. Well/ as perfect as a bloke can be I suppose. I don’t like some of his trainers, and he’s got pretty awful taste in music, his feet are minging, and he’s got weird hands."
Commentary: This section captures Chloe’s humor and her ability to find joy in imperfections. Actors should lean into the humor, using it to balance the emotional weight of the monologue.
"My hand fit perfectly in Dad’s. I’d slip my hand in Dad’s whilst we walked to the shops or sumink and he’d look down at me and smile."
Commentary: The tone shifts as Chloe recalls the intimate bond she shared with her father. Actors should convey warmth and nostalgia, letting the audience feel the depth of her loss.
"Got to that age though at some point where I didn’t want to hold Dad’s hand anymore, wasn’t cool. I remember finding excuses to pull away... I could tell that he was hurt by it, but he never said nuffink."
Commentary: Chloe’s regret over pulling away from her father is heartbreaking. Actors should let the guilt and tenderness in this memory come through, highlighting her love and lingering grief.
"And I kinda regret it now. I wish I’d just thought fuck you to the other kids in the playground and just held my dad’s hand forever/ but you don’t at that age."
Commentary: This section captures Chloe’s frustration with herself and the universal experience of wishing we could have appreciated moments more in hindsight. Deliver this with emotional honesty and vulnerability.
"Jamie’s just don’t fit quite right."
Commentary: The closing line is simple yet powerful, encapsulating Chloe’s grief and her struggle to reconcile the loss of her father with her new relationship. Actors should deliver this with quiet resignation, letting the weight of the sentiment land.
Suggested New Thoughts Chunking / Paragraphing
Meeting Jamie and Losing Dad: Chloe introduces the serendipity of meeting Jamie just before her father’s death, blending hope with loss.
Jamie’s Perfections and Imperfections: She humorously reflects on Jamie’s quirks, balancing lightness with underlying vulnerability.
Memories of Dad: Chloe recalls the intimate bond she shared with her father and her regret over pulling away during her teenage years.
Lingering Loss: The monologue concludes with Chloe’s reflection on how Jamie’s presence can’t quite fill the void left by her father.
Journey Keypoints
Hook: Chloe draws the audience in with the bittersweet coincidence of meeting Jamie shortly before her father’s death.
Turning Point: Her reflections on Jamie’s imperfections and her memories of her father shift the tone from lighthearted to poignant.
Climax: Chloe’s regret over distancing herself from her father becomes the emotional peak, exposing her vulnerability and guilt.
Resolution: The final line ties her grief and love together, highlighting the irreplaceable bond she had with her father.
Performance Tips
Balance Humor and Heartbreak: Chloe’s humor is a coping mechanism that contrasts beautifully with her vulnerability. Use this duality to create a layered performance.
Highlight the Transitions: The monologue moves fluidly between humor, nostalgia, and regret. Honor these shifts to maintain the emotional rhythm.
Connect Through Specificity: Chloe’s memories of her father are specific and sensory. Use these details to make her love and grief tangible for the audience.
Let the Closing Land: The final line is understated but powerful. Allow it to resonate by delivering it with quiet intensity.
Learn with Acting Coach Scotland
Chloe’s monologue from Bitch Boxer is an emotionally rich piece that allows actors to explore humor, vulnerability, and the enduring impact of grief. At Acting Coach Scotland, we help performers bring depth and authenticity to monologues like this, ensuring every moment resonates.
