Aside

Definition

An aside is a theatrical device used in plays where a character speaks directly to the audience, revealing thoughts or feelings that other characters on stage cannot hear. This technique creates intimacy between the character and the audience while providing insight into the character's motivations or the unfolding plot. Aside can be seen as a tool for dramatic irony, as it allows the audience to be privy to information that influences their understanding of the story.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Asides are often used in comedies and dramas to highlight a character's true intentions or reactions to events happening on stage.
2. The use of asides can enhance comedic timing, allowing for quick shifts in mood and pacing in a performance.
3. Asides can be delivered in various tones, ranging from humorous to serious, depending on the context of the scene.
4. Unlike soliloquies, which involve only one character speaking alone, asides can occur during interactions with other characters on stage.
5. The effectiveness of an aside relies heavily on the actor's delivery and connection with the audience, making it a powerful tool in performance.

Review Questions

• How does an aside differ from a soliloquy in terms of audience engagement and character interaction?
  • An aside differs from a soliloquy primarily in that an aside is spoken directly to the audience while other characters are present and unaware, whereas a soliloquy is performed alone by a character without any audience awareness. This means that asides create a sense of intimacy and direct connection with the audience, allowing them insight into the character's thoughts amid interactions. Soliloquies allow for deeper exploration of a character's internal struggles but do not engage with other characters or reveal their knowledge of the situation.
• Discuss how asides contribute to dramatic irony within a play, providing an example of their effectiveness.
  • Asides contribute significantly to dramatic irony by allowing the audience to hear a character's private thoughts while other characters remain oblivious. For example, if a character expresses skepticism about another's intentions in an aside while interacting with them amicably, it creates tension because the audience knows something that other characters do not. This dynamic heightens engagement and keeps viewers invested in how these hidden truths will affect future interactions and outcomes within the story.
• Evaluate the role of asides in shaping audience perception of characters and their motivations in a theatrical performance.
  • Asides play a crucial role in shaping audience perception by offering direct insight into characters' motivations and intentions that may be hidden from others on stage. This technique allows audiences to form judgments about characters based on their true feelings rather than their actions or words around other characters. By revealing personal thoughts during critical moments, asides deepen understanding of conflicts and relationships within the narrative, ultimately enhancing emotional resonance and investment in the storyline.

Related terms

soliloquy: A soliloquy is a speech delivered by a character alone on stage, expressing their inner thoughts and emotions to the audience without any other characters present.

dramatic irony: Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more about a situation than the characters in the play, creating tension and engagement.

monologue: A monologue is an extended speech by one character that expresses their thoughts and feelings, often directed towards other characters or the audience.