This collection of 72 monologues and eight duo scenes features fresh, imaginative character portraits for young women that capture vivid attitudes, images, and speeches of realistic characters drawn from real-life role models. These honest, truthful depictions of contemporary life focus attention on the social forces that help to shape a character's behavior or direct attention to actions and attitudes that reveal a character's point of view. The excerpts are grouped in chapters framed by themes, such as "Rage and Retribution," "Faith and Folly," and "Regret and Romance." A brief yet thorough background sketch provides an initial glimpse of the given circumstances and emotional or intellectual tenor for each monologue or duo scene, as well as performance hints. The selections from recently produced contemporary plays as well as from emerging playwrights encompass a range of literary styles and thematic storylines to challenge you in acting assignments, classroom discussions, or formal