What is an extended speech spoken by one speaker, either to others or as if alone, called?

An extended speech spoken by one speaker, either to others or as if alone, is known as a monologue. This term captures the essence of a single person expressing their thoughts, feelings, or reflections, often revealing their inner emotions or conveying important information to an audience. Monologues are commonly found in plays, literature, and films and can serve various purposes, such as character development or thematic exploration.

While soliloquy could seem similar, it specifically refers to a character speaking their thoughts aloud, typically while alone on stage, directed more towards the audience rather than to other characters. Exposition, on the other hand, refers to the part of a story that provides background information and sets the stage for the narrative but does not represent a speech format. Dialogue involves exchanges between two or more characters, thus differing significantly from a monologue. This understanding clarifies why the term monologue is the most accurate descriptor in this context.