We now have to make a distinction between Duologue and polylogue. A duologue is a verbal exchange between two dramatic figures. A polylogue is a verbal exchange between three or more dramatic figures. This distinction is not merely quantative but also qualitative. A polylogue for instance can convey a triadic relationship between two figures. Or two figures arguing with each other and between a mediator or commentator.
Polylogues are semantically more complex because of the many semantic changes of direction. There are several examples of polylogue, and in the case of a polylogue the music can help distinguish the different participants in the polylogue. At the same time it can blur the semantic structure by different figures singing different melodies and lyrics. As an example of a polylogue I'll discuss Kiss Me from Act I in the next chapter.