Dogface’s Monologue from Dogface by Kellie Powell
"I don't want to get all Hallmark card on you, but you're my best friend..."
Overview of Dogface
Dogface by Kellie Powell is a heartfelt exploration of unrequited love, vulnerability, and self-worth. Dogface’s monologue is a raw outpouring of emotion, blending humor, anger, and desperation as the character confronts feelings of rejection and the fear of being unloved. This monologue is a powerful choice for actors seeking to showcase emotional range and depth.
Character Breakdown: Dogface
Name: Dogface (nickname)
Age: Late teens to early 20s
Background: Dogface is a deeply self-aware and introspective character, struggling with feelings of inadequacy and a fear of rejection. She has fallen for her best friend and is grappling with the aftermath of a kiss that was not reciprocated as she hoped.
Who the Character is Talking To in This Moment: Dogface is addressing her best friend, pleading for clarity and honesty about their relationship.
What’s Just Happened: Dogface reflects on their kiss, questioning why her feelings are not returned and confronting the fear that she is unworthy of love.
The Monologue
I don't want to get all Hallmark card on you, but you're my best friend. We've been through so much together. You know me better than I have ever let anyone know me. You're the first person I've ever met who understands me, who thinks the way I do, who gets me. Am I crazy? Am I wrong? Because... you're important to me.If you just aren't attracted to me... I could understand that. I know you can't choose who you want, you can't control those feelings. The heart wants what the heart wants. If we could choose... then I could stop wanting you. I know it doesn't work like that. So, if you just don't like me that way... but, you do, don't you? You must. I mean, at least a little? You can't find me too repulsive, you're the one who kissed me...Did I do something wrong? I mean, was I not... good? Was I too easy? Was I supposed to play hard to get? I don't know how to be coy and play games. No one ever explained the rules to me. All I know how to do is be honest. And you said that was something you loved about me.Is it... are you ashamed? Is that why you're pretending like it didn't happen? That's it, isn't it. You're ashamed. Right. I mean, who wouldn't be ashamed to be with me? I'm Dogface. You can fuck Dogface behind closed doors, but you can't introduce her to your friends. You can't bring her home to meet your mom.You said... you're not ready. Is anyone ever ready for their life to change? How do you expect to learn anything? We'll make all kinds of stupid mistakes and feel like idiots and - welcome to the human condition! Trial and error, it's the only way to learn. No one's ever ready.You said... you don't want to get serious. But how am I supposed to act casual about something this intense, this rare? You're the first person to see me - how can that not be a big deal? Look at me. How many chances am I going to have in life? I think I could love you. I think you could have loved me.And if I'm crazy, then I'm crazy. If I'm wrong, then, okay, I'm wrong. But if I'm right, and you're just too chickenshit to deal with the possibility of something real and rare and dangerous and life-altering, then... then I'm not even sure I would want to love someone so stupid!
BROKEN DOWN
"I don't want to get all Hallmark card on you, but you're my best friend. We've been through so much together. You know me better than I have ever let anyone know me."
Commentary: Dogface begins with a heartfelt and sincere acknowledgment of their connection, immediately drawing the audience into her emotional vulnerability. Actors should deliver this with warmth and longing.
"If you just aren't attracted to me... I could understand that. I know you can't choose who you want, you can't control those feelings."
Commentary: This section shows Dogface’s rational side, as she tries to empathize with the complexities of attraction. Let this moment feel sincere but tinged with pain.
"Did I do something wrong? I mean, was I not... good? Was I too easy? Was I supposed to play hard to get?"
Commentary: Her self-doubt emerges here, showcasing Dogface’s insecurities. Actors should emphasize her desperation for answers and validation.
"You said... you're not ready. Is anyone ever ready for their life to change? How do you expect to learn anything?"
Commentary: This section shifts to frustration, as Dogface challenges her friend’s excuses. Deliver this with mounting intensity, letting her frustration boil over.
"You said... you don't want to get serious. But how am I supposed to act casual about something this intense, this rare?"
Commentary: Dogface highlights the depth of her feelings, contrasting her openness with her friend’s hesitation. Let her vulnerability shine through, underscored by her pain.
"If I'm crazy, then I'm crazy. If I'm wrong, then, okay, I'm wrong. But if I'm right, and you're just too chickenshit to deal with the possibility of something real..."
Commentary: The monologue crescendos here with Dogface’s anger and self-respect coming to the forefront. Deliver this section with defiance and resolve, showing her reclaiming her worth.
Suggested New Thoughts Chunking / Paragraphing
Opening Connection: Dogface reflects on their friendship and her emotional vulnerability.
Seeking Validation: She questions why her feelings are not reciprocated, expressing self-doubt and confusion.
Challenging Excuses: Dogface confronts the excuses given by her friend, calling out their avoidance of commitment.
Emotional Climax: She declares her worth and challenges her friend to face their fears, ending with a mix of frustration and defiance.
Journey Keypoints
Hook: Dogface’s heartfelt opening draws the audience into her emotional vulnerability and the depth of her connection with her friend.
Turning Point: Her self-doubt and insecurity emerge as she questions her friend’s feelings.
Climax: Dogface confronts the excuses, expressing anger and frustration at the missed opportunity for something meaningful.
Resolution: The monologue ends with a mix of defiance and self-awareness, as Dogface reclaims her worth and questions whether love with someone so fearful is worth pursuing.
Performance Tips
Embrace Emotional Shifts: Dogface’s monologue moves through vulnerability, anger, frustration, and defiance. Explore each shift to create a dynamic and compelling performance.
Highlight the Humor: There are moments of dark humor and sarcasm that balance the monologue’s emotional intensity. Use these to show Dogface’s complexity.
Show Inner Conflict: Dogface is torn between her love for her friend and her anger at their rejection. Let this internal struggle shine through, adding depth to the character.
Build to the Climax: The monologue crescendos with her defiance and self-worth. Allow this moment to land powerfully, leaving a lasting impression.
Learn with Acting Coach Scotland
Dogface’s monologue from Dogface is a raw and emotionally rich piece that challenges actors to explore vulnerability, anger, and self-awareness. At Acting Coach Scotland, we help actors deliver authentic performances that connect with audiences and showcase their full range.