Non-diegetic sound

Definition

Non-diegetic sound refers to audio elements that do not originate from the world of the story being told, meaning the characters in the narrative cannot hear them. This type of sound is often used to enhance the emotional impact or provide context, such as background music or voiceovers. It helps set the mood or tone for a scene and guides the audience's emotional response without being part of the narrative reality experienced by the characters.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Non-diegetic sound can include background music, narration, and sound effects that are not heard by characters but enhance the audience's experience.
2. This type of sound plays a critical role in establishing mood and emotional depth, often influencing how viewers feel about a scene without being directly connected to the plot.
3. In theater, non-diegetic sound can be used to transition between scenes or highlight dramatic moments without altering the visual elements.
4. Unlike diegetic sound, which can vary depending on what the audience sees and hears within the story, non-diegetic sound is consistent and intentional, designed to serve a specific purpose.
5. Using non-diegetic elements strategically can make storytelling more dynamic and engaging by providing additional layers of meaning or commentary.

Review Questions

• How does non-diegetic sound contribute to sound plotting in a performance?
  • Non-diegetic sound is crucial in sound plotting as it creates emotional layers that enhance storytelling. It helps shape audience perceptions and responses to character actions and plot developments. By integrating carefully chosen music or effects at specific moments, designers can guide how an audience feels about a scene or character without altering what happens on stage.
• In what ways does non-diegetic music differ from diegetic music in terms of its function within a performance?
  • Non-diegetic music serves to evoke emotions or set a tone without being part of the story's reality, while diegetic music is integral to the scene, heard by characters. This distinction affects how audiences perceive the narrative; non-diegetic music can manipulate emotions more freely since it exists outside the characters' experiences. It shapes the overall atmosphere and can provide insight into themes and character motivations.
• Evaluate the impact of non-diegetic sound on both drama and musical theater performances. How does it enhance the audience's experience in each format?
  • Non-diegetic sound significantly enhances both drama and musical theater by adding emotional depth and context to performances. In drama, it builds tension and provides subtext to character interactions, making scenes more impactful. In musical theater, non-diegetic elements work alongside live performances to emphasize themes and emotional arcs, making transitions smoother and enhancing dramatic moments with musical cues. This dual role enriches storytelling across genres, making it more engaging for audiences.

Related terms

Diegetic sound:

Sound that originates from within the story's world, meaning that characters can hear it, such as dialogue or sounds made by objects on screen.

Sound design: The process of creating and manipulating audio elements for a performance or production to achieve a desired effect or mood.

Score: A collection of music specifically composed for a film, theater, or television production that is often non-diegetic and accompanies the action on screen.