Asides

Definition

Asides are brief comments or speeches made by a character in a play, intended to be heard by the audience but not by other characters on stage. They create a direct connection between the character and the audience, often revealing inner thoughts, feelings, or commentary on the action taking place. This technique serves to break the fourth wall, allowing for a deeper engagement with the audience and enhancing the theatrical experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Asides can vary in length but are typically short and focused comments that serve to engage the audience directly.
2. The use of asides can add humor or dramatic tension, depending on the context of the character's comment.
3. Asides break the conventional boundary of theater by inviting the audience to witness behind-the-scenes thoughts and reactions.
4. In Shakespearean plays, asides are frequently used to convey characters' intentions and strategies without alerting other characters.
5. The effectiveness of an aside relies on timing and delivery, as it requires a connection with the audience for maximum impact.

Review Questions

• How do asides function to enhance character development and audience engagement in a play?
  • Asides enhance character development by allowing characters to express their true thoughts and feelings directly to the audience without other characters' interference. This creates a more intimate understanding of their motivations and internal conflicts. Additionally, asides engage the audience by breaking the fourth wall, making them feel included in the unfolding drama, which can evoke empathy or laughter depending on the tone of the aside.
• In what ways do asides differ from soliloquies, and why might a playwright choose to use one over the other?
  • Asides differ from soliloquies primarily in terms of audience awareness; asides are directed at the audience while other characters remain oblivious, whereas soliloquies are delivered when a character is alone or believes they are alone. A playwright might choose an aside for immediate comic relief or dramatic irony since it creates a quick connection with the audience. In contrast, soliloquies allow for deeper exploration of a character's psyche over a longer duration.
• Evaluate how asides contribute to breaking the fourth wall in contemporary theater compared to classical works.
  • In contemporary theater, asides are often employed more liberally and creatively than in classical works, where they served specific narrative functions. Modern plays may use asides to comment on societal issues or provide meta-theatrical commentary, thus challenging traditional theatrical conventions. This evolution shows a shift towards greater audience involvement and awareness of theatricality itself, enhancing both engagement and critical reflection among viewers regarding their role within the performance.

Related terms

Fourth Wall: An imaginary barrier between the audience and the performers, which is conventionally maintained in traditional theater.

Soliloquy: A speech in which a character speaks their thoughts aloud while alone on stage, providing insight into their motivations and feelings.

Monologue: A long speech by one character in a play, often addressing other characters or the audience, that reveals important information or emotions.