Freddie’s Monologue from Consensual by Evan Placey
"My dad died... Bastard finally drank himself to death."
Overview of Consensual
Consensual by Evan Placey examines power dynamics, consent, and the long-term effects of abuse. Freddie’s monologue is a harrowing recount of his traumatic past, focusing on his grooming by a trusted adult figure. This scene provides a challenging opportunity for actors to delve into themes of vulnerability, anger, and resilience.
Character Breakdown: Freddie
Name: Freddie
Age: 22
Background: Freddie grew up in a turbulent household with an abusive, alcoholic father and an absent mother. At 15, he was groomed and exploited by Diane, a pastoral assistant at his school. Now, as a young adult, he confronts Diane and reflects on the emotional scars of his experiences.
Who the Character is Talking To in This Moment: Freddie is speaking directly to Diane, confronting her about the abuse he suffered at her hands.
What’s Just Happened: Freddie has sought out Diane to hold her accountable for her actions, revealing the impact of her betrayal and his decision to take legal action.
The Monologue
My dad died. [...]
A week ago. Bastard finally drank himself to death.
You probably don’t remember, but one time, we were in your office. I was crying. Told you my mum was gone, had a brother, called Jake, who did fuck- all, and had a dad who didn’t love me. And you told me he did, of course he did. He was just too afraid to show it. You probably don’t remember. [...]
The night he died he’s lying in hospital drugged-up and he takes my hands. Like properly takes them. And he says, swear to god, ‘I love you, son. I know I was never very good at sayin’ it. Maybe cos my dad never said it to me, so was too scared to. But I love you.
Jake. I love you, Jake. Not like that faggot brother of yours. I tried, god knows I tried. But the thing with Freddie is he wants it too much. You can smell it when he walks into a room. He just so desperately wants to be loved that I couldn’t stand to look at him. Like one of them manky wet foxes you’d find by the bins, staring up at you, longing in their eyes. Just makes you want to kick the shit out of them.’
Pause.
Dad was right. People can smell it on me. The fellas at work always taking the mick cos they know I’ll take it. My last girlfriend who told me I was too needy.
So how did you know? [...]
How did you, why did you choose me?
If I knew what it is that people see in me, what they smell on me that –
If I knew what you saw in me so you knew you could... [...] Groom me. If I knew what it was that you saw, so that you knew that you could groom me, that you could... [...]
Got me to trust you. You made it so I became dependent on you. So you could exploit that trust, that dependency. And take advantage of me. [...]
You gave me your number. [...]
You told me I had a good body. Told me to get undressed. You got me drunk and then had sex with me.
It doesn’t matter what I wanted. What I thought I wanted. I wasn’t old enough to know, to properly understand, miss. [...]
I was fifteen.
[...]
You bought me things. [...] I still have it. [...] The bracelet. He pulls out a threaded bracelet.
Do you know what’s most pathetic of all, miss? How even after – I kept texting you. You never replied, but still I, for months. Didn’t come back to school once you’d got what you wanted from me, but even when you’d tossed me aside, even when I felt sick cos of what we did that night, still like a loyal little cunt I didn’t tell no one, kept texting to see if you were alright – that’s how well you groomed me. [...]
I went to the police. I made a statement. Maybe nothing will happen, it will just be an imprint. Or maybe it will make a dent. But I thought I should tell you. That that would be the adult thing to do
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"My dad died. [...] A week ago. Bastard finally drank himself to death. You probably don’t remember, but one time, we were in your office. I was crying. Told you my mum was gone, had a brother, called Jake, who did fuck-all, and had a dad who didn’t love me. And you told me he did, of course he did. He was just too afraid to show it. You probably don’t remember."
Commentary: Freddie begins by reflecting on his father’s death with bitterness and resentment. He transitions into a memory of confiding in Diane, setting the stage for the confrontation. Actors should emphasize the contrast between Freddie’s present anger and his past vulnerability.
"The night he died he’s lying in hospital drugged-up and he takes my hands. Like properly takes them. And he says, swear to god, ‘I love you, son. I know I was never very good at sayin’ it. Maybe cos my dad never said it to me, so was too scared to. But I love you. Jake. I love you, Jake. Not like that faggot brother of yours.’"
Commentary: This moment reveals the father’s toxic behavior and how it influenced Freddie’s sense of self-worth. Actors should capture the complexity of this scene, showing both Freddie’s hurt and his father’s deeply flawed humanity.
"Dad was right. People can smell it on me. The fellas at work always taking the mick cos they know I’ll take it. My last girlfriend who told me I was too needy."
Commentary: Freddie connects his father’s judgment to a broader pattern of rejection and mockery. This introspection exposes his deep-seated insecurities. Deliver this section with a mix of bitterness and self-awareness.
"How did you, why did you choose me? If I knew what it is that people see in me, what they smell on me that – If I knew what you saw in me so you knew you could... [...] Groom me."
Commentary: Freddie’s direct questioning intensifies as he confronts Diane about her grooming. This section should build in emotional intensity, highlighting his need for answers and the betrayal he feels.
"You gave me your number. [...] You told me I had a good body. Told me to get undressed. You got me drunk and then had sex with me. It doesn’t matter what I wanted. What I thought I wanted. I wasn’t old enough to know, to properly understand, miss. [...] I was fifteen."
Commentary: This is the emotional and moral climax of the monologue, as Freddie lays out the explicit details of the abuse. Actors should deliver this section with raw honesty, allowing the gravity of the words to land without over-dramatizing.
"I went to the police. I made a statement. Maybe nothing will happen, it will just be an imprint. Or maybe it will make a dent. But I thought I should tell you. That that would be the adult thing to do."
Commentary: Freddie’s closing lines show his resolve to take control of his narrative. This moment represents a step toward empowerment, and actors should convey both determination and vulnerability.
This monologue benefits from clear thought shifts to guide the emotional journey:
Opening Reflection: Freddie recalls his father’s death and the bitterness surrounding it.
Confiding in Diane: He revisits a moment of vulnerability in their past interactions.
Toxic Parenting: Freddie recounts his father’s hurtful comments, connecting them to his broader insecurities.
Confrontation: He challenges Diane directly, questioning what she saw in him that made him vulnerable to her grooming.
Recounting the Abuse: Freddie details the grooming process and its devastating effects.
Resolution: He asserts his decision to report Diane, taking a step toward justice and closure.
Journey Keypoints
Hook: Freddie opens with bitterness about his father’s death, grounding the audience in his emotional turmoil.
Turning Point: The recounting of Diane’s grooming and its connection to Freddie’s insecurities marks a shift in focus.
Climax: Freddie explicitly confronts Diane about the abuse, delivering the emotional peak of the monologue.
Resolution: His decision to report Diane reflects his growth and determination to move forward.
Performance Tips
Balance Vulnerability and Strength:
Freddie’s monologue requires navigating a wide emotional range. Allow moments of vulnerability to shine through without losing the underlying strength in his decision to confront Diane.Use the Pauses:
The text includes several moments for reflection and tension. These pauses are key to letting Freddie’s pain resonate with the audience.Engage with the Listener:
Freddie’s direct address to Diane is charged with personal stakes. Use this dynamic to heighten the intensity of the confrontation.
