Asides

Definition

Asides are brief remarks made by a character in a play, intended to be heard by the audience but not by other characters. This theatrical device serves to reveal a character's thoughts, motivations, or feelings, adding depth to their personality and advancing the plot without interrupting the flow of dialogue. Asides enhance the audience's understanding of the characters' internal struggles and relationships while maintaining the overall theme of the work.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Asides allow the audience to gain insight into a character's true feelings, often contrasting with what they express to others.
2. They are commonly used in both classical and contemporary theatre, especially in works by playwrights like Shakespeare.
3. Asides can create dramatic irony, where the audience knows more about a character's intentions than other characters do.
4. The use of asides can help establish tone and mood, adding layers of complexity to both comedy and tragedy.
5. Asides often involve humor or wit, making them an effective tool for engaging the audience and enhancing entertainment value.

Review Questions

• How do asides contribute to character development and plot progression in theatrical works?
  • Asides play a vital role in character development by allowing characters to express their innermost thoughts directly to the audience. This gives viewers deeper insight into motivations and conflicts that may not be apparent in regular dialogue. Additionally, asides can advance the plot by revealing secrets or intentions that create tension or foreshadow events, thereby enriching the overall narrative.
• In what ways are asides utilized differently in Shakespeare's works compared to 18th-century sentimental comedies?
  • In Shakespeare's works, asides are frequently used to convey complex emotions and create dramatic irony, enhancing the depth of character relationships and themes. In contrast, 18th-century sentimental comedies tend to employ asides for comedic effect or moral commentary, focusing on social issues and human behavior. This difference highlights how the function of asides can evolve over time depending on the playwright's intent and the genre's conventions.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of asides in shaping audience perception during a performance. How does this technique influence engagement with the narrative?
  • Asides are highly effective in shaping audience perception by creating an intimate connection between the character and viewers. This technique allows audiences to witness inner thoughts that may contradict outward behavior, leading to greater emotional investment in the character's journey. As a result, asides enhance engagement with the narrative by making it easier for audiences to empathize with characters' struggles and anticipate their decisions, ultimately enriching their overall experience of the performance.

Related terms

Monologue: A lengthy speech delivered by a single character, expressing their thoughts and emotions directly to the audience or other characters.

Soliloquy: A speech given by a character alone on stage, revealing their inner thoughts and feelings, often used to provide insight into their motivations.

Dialogue: The conversation between two or more characters in a play, which drives the plot forward and develops relationships.