Maryann,
Finding the level of formality is important. The more conversational the tone, the more we may warm up to the character, but the more difficult it becomes to sustain IP--at least, I've found it to be more difficult. Also, how self-aware is the character? This question leads to the more complex one of psychic distance. John Gardner has a fine analysis of this in his Art of Fiction.
Distant : "Thanksgiving Thursday I destroyed the car."
Close: "Turkey stuffed. Snow. Skidding. Limbs slice my cheek."
Hope this helps. Most of Judah Benjamin is dramatic monologue so I sympathize.
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