Aside

Definition

An aside is a dramatic device where a character speaks directly to the audience, revealing their inner thoughts or feelings while other characters on stage are unaware of it. This technique serves to create a deeper connection between the audience and the character, providing insight into motivations and plot developments without altering the ongoing action of the scene.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Asides allow for comedic relief or dramatic tension by revealing a character's true intentions or secrets that other characters do not know.
2. They often occur in moments of conflict or decision-making, heightening the audience's engagement as they learn more about the character's motivations.
3. Asides can vary in length from a single line to several lines, depending on the playwright's intent and the situation in the play.
4. This device is commonly used in Shakespearean plays, providing insight into characters like Hamlet or Iago through their asides.
5. The use of asides can enhance the theme of deception or duplicity, as characters might express thoughts that contradict their spoken dialogue with others.

Review Questions

• How does an aside contribute to character development and audience engagement in a play?
  • An aside deepens character development by allowing characters to reveal their inner thoughts directly to the audience. This connection engages the audience more fully, as they gain insights into motivations that other characters are oblivious to. By presenting this hidden dialogue, playwrights can explore complex emotional landscapes and create tension or humor, drawing viewers further into the narrative.
• In what ways can asides be used to enhance thematic elements within a play?
  • Asides can enhance themes of deception, betrayal, or inner conflict by showcasing characters’ true feelings that contrast with their public personas. When characters share secrets or doubts through asides, it allows the audience to see the disparity between appearance and reality. This device encourages viewers to reflect on broader themes related to honesty and self-awareness, deepening their understanding of the play's moral implications.
• Evaluate how Shakespeare's use of asides impacts the structure and pacing of his plays compared to modern theatrical works.
  • Shakespeare's strategic use of asides significantly impacts the structure and pacing of his plays by creating moments of introspection that break up dialogue and action. These interruptions serve to heighten dramatic tension and allow for comedic timing, enriching character arcs in ways that modern works may not replicate as closely. In contrast, many contemporary plays tend to favor more direct communication styles or rely on dialogue-driven exposition, which can streamline pacing but may lack the layered complexity found in Shakespearean drama.

Related terms

Monologue: A long speech by one character in a play, expressing their thoughts and emotions, often directed to other characters on stage.

Soliloquy: A form of monologue where a character speaks to themselves, often reflecting on their thoughts and feelings when they are alone on stage.

Fourth Wall: The imaginary barrier between the audience and the performers in a play, which is often broken through techniques like asides.