Sophie’s Monologue from Blink by Phil Porter
"Okay, so when I’m twelve my gums begin to itch and keep me awake at night..."
Overview of Blink
Blink by Phil Porter is a touching, quirky exploration of loneliness, connection, and the small moments that define relationships. Sophie’s monologue is a vivid and heartfelt recollection of childhood experiences, blending humor, vulnerability, and a deeply emotional reflection on her relationship with her father. It’s a perfect monologue for actors looking to showcase range and authenticity.
Character Breakdown: Sophie
Name: Sophie
Age: Mid-20s
Background: Sophie is an introspective and emotionally open character. Her monologue reveals the profound influence of her father on her sense of being seen and understood.
Who the Character is Talking To in This Moment: Sophie speaks to the audience or a confidant, sharing an intimate memory with warmth and vulnerability.
What’s Just Happened: Sophie is reflecting on a formative experience from her childhood, using it to illustrate the kind of person her father was.
The Monologue
Okay, so when I’m twelve my gums begin to itch and keep me awake at night. So I tell the dentist and she says my teeth are overcrowded, and she’ll take two out to make room. And she gives me a choice between a local, so a needle, and a general, meaning gas. And I’m scared of needles so I go for the gas, which they don’t do any more, but basically they hold this mask down over your face and you have to breathe in this stuff. And it’s got a kind of rubber taste, like an old rubber ball or something. And as you breathe you can hear this buzz getting louder, like a chainsaw getting closer, so I fix my eyes on this nurse and watch as she merges into this giant picture of autumn that covers one wall. Then when I wake up I’m okay for a second. Until this horrible, groggy feeling hits me. And as we leave I throw up this pool of frothy blood on the doorstep. And we get to the car and I’m sick in the car, and we get home and I’m sick in the porch, and I’m sick about five times more, and it’s Pancake Day but I’m too sick for pancakes, so basically it’s just a really bad experience. But at least the itching goes away, until two years later when it comes back, and the dentist says she’ll take two more out. And again I get the choice, and again I go for gas, only this time I ask my dad if, when we get home, I can have my bed in the garden. I want to lie outside and clean my lungs in the air. And I know it’s mad what I’m asking. It’s not a real request, more just an idea. But when we get back my bed’s there on the lawn. And this is The Isle of Man in April, so the weather’s not warm. But there it is, with an extra blanket, and Winston, my bear, on the pillow. And there’s even a bedside table, with fizzy water and a working lamp, and I’m telling you this so you understand the kind of man he was, my dad. He made me feel seen.
BROKEN DOWN
"Okay, so when I’m twelve my gums begin to itch and keep me awake at night. So I tell the dentist and she says my teeth are overcrowded, and she’ll take two out to make room. And she gives me a choice between a local, so a needle, and a general, meaning gas."
Commentary: Sophie’s opening establishes a relatable and humorous anecdote, drawing the audience in with vivid sensory detail. Actors should use this moment to create a conversational and engaging tone.
"And as you breathe you can hear this buzz getting louder, like a chainsaw getting closer, so I fix my eyes on this nurse and watch as she merges into this giant picture of autumn that covers one wall."
Commentary: The imagery here highlights Sophie’s vivid imagination and sensory sensitivity. Actors can lean into the humor and slight absurdity to contrast with the emotional weight of what follows.
"But at least the itching goes away, until two years later when it comes back, and the dentist says she’ll take two more out. And again I get the choice, and again I go for gas, only this time I ask my dad if, when we get home, I can have my bed in the garden."
Commentary: This transition begins to show Sophie’s childlike curiosity and the close relationship she has with her father. Actors should deliver this section with a mix of humor and sincerity.
"But when we get back my bed’s there on the lawn. And this is The Isle of Man in April, so the weather’s not warm. But there it is, with an extra blanket, and Winston, my bear, on the pillow."
Commentary: The shift to her father’s act of kindness is deeply touching. Actors should let Sophie’s awe and gratitude shine through as she recalls this moment.
"And there’s even a bedside table, with fizzy water and a working lamp, and I’m telling you this so you understand the kind of man he was, my dad. He made me feel seen."
Commentary: The monologue concludes with an emotional punch. Actors should deliver this line with quiet reverence and vulnerability, allowing Sophie’s love for her father to resonate.
Suggested New Thoughts Chunking / Paragraphing
Opening Anecdote: Sophie describes her childhood experience with the dentist, establishing humor and relatability.
Sensory Experience: She vividly recounts the surreal details of being under gas.
Second Incident: Sophie transitions to the second experience with the dentist and her imaginative request for a bed in the garden.
Father’s Kindness: The focus shifts to her father’s thoughtful gesture, highlighting their close bond.
Emotional Reflection: The monologue ends with Sophie’s heartfelt acknowledgment of how her father made her feel seen and valued.
Journey Keypoints
Hook: Sophie’s opening anecdote draws the audience in with humor and vivid detail.
Turning Point: Her father’s unexpected act of kindness shifts the tone from humor to heartfelt reflection.
Climax: The description of the bed on the lawn, complete with thoughtful details, underscores her father’s love and attentiveness.
Resolution: Sophie concludes with a poignant reflection on what her father’s actions meant to her, leaving the audience with a sense of warmth and connection.
Performance Tips
Embrace the Humor: The opening sections are full of humor and relatable details. Use this to create a light, engaging tone before transitioning to the more emotional moments.
Highlight the Emotional Shift: As Sophie moves from humor to reflection, let the vulnerability emerge gradually, ensuring the transition feels natural.
Focus on Connection: Sophie’s monologue is intimate and personal. Use direct eye contact and a conversational tone to draw the audience into her world.
Celebrate Small Details: The specificity in Sophie’s description of her father’s gesture is key to the monologue’s emotional impact. Lean into these details to bring her memory to life.
Learn with Acting Coach Scotland
Sophie’s monologue is a beautiful mix of humor and emotion, offering a rich opportunity for actors to showcase their versatility. At Acting Coach Scotland, we help performers connect deeply with characters like Sophie and deliver authentic, compelling performances.
