1. Single Speaker: The entire poem is spoken by the Duke of Ferrara, addressing an unnamed visitor. The audience only hears his side of the conversation.
2. Dramatic Situation: The Duke's speech reveals a complex and unsettling situation. He is discussing his late wife, the Duchess, while showing a portrait of her to a potential new wife. The monologue is steeped in tension and hidden motives.
3. Revelation of Character: Through his words, the Duke reveals his possessiveness, jealousy, and controlling nature. We understand his arrogance and his desire for absolute power, even over his wife.
4. Subtext and Implied Action: The Duke's words are loaded with subtext and unspoken meaning. We are left to infer what actually happened to the Duchess, what the speaker is really thinking about his new wife, and what the future holds.
5. Dramatic Impact: The monologue is designed to create a strong impact on the listener. The Duke's chilling words, his subtle threats, and his self-absorbed nature create a sense of unease and even fear. We are left with a powerful sense of the Duke's dangerous nature.
In summary: "My Last Duchess" is a dramatic monologue because it uses a single speaker's words to reveal a complex character, create dramatic tension, and leave a lasting impression on the audience.