A soliloquy is a dramatic device used in theater where a character speaks their thoughts aloud, typically while alone on stage. This technique allows the audience to gain insight into the character's inner feelings, motivations, and conflicts. Soliloquies are often found in plays, particularly in the works of William Shakespeare, where they reveal the character's true emotions and intentions. In literature, soliloquies serve to deepen the audience's understanding of the plot and character development. They can highlight themes such as identity, betrayal, or ambition. Famous examples include Hamlet's "To be, or not to be" speech, which explores existential questions and the nature of life and death.