The monodrama is defined by one speaking part, which in classical drama served in addition to that of the chorus. In the eighteenth century the monodrama was accompanied by music and centered often on classical heroines. In the role of an eavesdropper the audience witnessed the expressed thoughts and feelings of the character as in the case of dramatic monologue.

The form degenerated to melodrama in the nineteenth century but was finally reborn again with August Strindberg.

The Stronger (1912; Den starkare, 1889) consists of one scene about fifteen minutes in length, including two characters, only one of whom speaks. The missing wall technique of naturalism is used so that the audience witnesses a wife speaking with a female companion in a restaurant. The second woman does not respond, and the wife gradually realizes that her acquaintance is, or was formerly, her husband's mistress.

The Double Bass has...