In a play or a film, an aside is a short speech delivered by a character to the audience. The speaker is typically not heard by any of the other characters in the scene, and this gives the actor or actress the chance to address the audience directly.
This provides extra depth and insight into the thoughts and feelings of the character, which can help make the portrayal more realistic.
In some cases, another character will notice an aside, and they may choose to respond to it.
In this scenario, both characters are often tacitly acknowledging that they know they are part of a fiction, which can be done for comedic effect.
Given its nature in plays or films, it is uncommon for an aside to be performed in real life.
However, there are some circumstances where such things occur.
What Is an aside
What Is an aside?
An aside is like a momentary aside. The character speaks directly to the audience though the other characters are not aware of it.
This is a means of breaking the fourth wall.
To put it simply, it is a short comment that the actor makes to the audience. It reveals something about the character and adds depth to his personality. Asides are written in parentheses in a play script.
A soliloquy is an entirely different thing. It is a monologue spoken by a single character on stage, who is giving voice to his innermost thoughts. The other characters are not aware of this monologue.
A soliloquy can be considered as an aside, and usually is one where the character is directly addressing the audience.
An aside is a powerful narrative tool that lets characters share secrets or reveal their inner thoughts to the audience, without other characters hearing them.
It’s a moment of honesty that can change how we perceive a story, creating a bond between character and viewer.
In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of asides, how they’re used in various forms of storytelling, and why they’re so effective in driving a narrative forward.
Stay with us as we uncover the secrets behind this dramatic device that pulls us deeper into the world of the characters.
What Is An Aside?
An aside is a dramatic device where a character delivers a short speech or comment that’s meant to be heard by the audience but not the other characters.
It’s a glimpse into their innermost thoughts, often revealing secrets, hidden motives, or ironic observations.
This technique breaks the fourth wall – the imaginary barrier between actors and viewers – inviting us into the character’s confidence.
As we’re let in on the action’s underlying currents, our understanding of the narrative deepens.
For example, in Hamlet, Shakespeare uses asides to portray the title character’s internal conflict.
His soliloquies are direct addresses to the audience, laying bare his tumultuous emotional state.
Here are some key functions of asides:
- They illuminate character motivations and desires,
- Provide exposition and context to the plot,
- Add dark humor or irony,
- Serve as a narrative shortcut to convey information swiftly.
Directors may stage an aside in various ways, manipulating lighting, sound, or camera focus to signal the shift away from the main action.
In film, a close-up may isolate the character, heightening the sense of intimacy with the audience.
The power of an aside lies in its ability to reveal truths that would otherwise remain obscured.
Whether it’s to express unspoken love in Romeo and Juliet or to articulate a strategic plan in House of Cards, asides are a filmmaker’s tool for nuanced storytelling.
Recognizing an aside is crucial for us as filmmakers because it can shape an entire scene or alter the audience’s perception of a character.
It reminds us that what’s left unsaid is often just as impactful as the dialogue itself.
The Power Of An Aside
Harnessing the power of an aside can be pivotal in film and storytelling.
It offers a unique opportunity for filmmakers to connect with their audience on a deeper level.
By sharing a character’s inner dialogue, asides can build a strong bond between the viewer and the character.
They offer an exclusive peek into otherwise unseen motivations and thoughts.
Creative use of asides can serve several purposes.
Here are just a few ways they can enhance a narrative:
- Confide in the audience, establishing an intimate rapport,
- Offer commentary that adds layers to a character’s personality,
- Provide vital backstory or information without disrupting the flow of events,
- Introduce humor or sarcasm to contrast more serious scenes.
When a famous character in Hamlet voices “To be or not to be,” we’re privy to existential angst that other characters are not.
This soliloquy, a form of extended aside, lets the audience grasp the depth of Hamlet’s turmoil.
It’s an iconic use of the device that brings the audience directly into the mind of the protagonist.
Not only do asides shape our understanding of characters, but they also influence the pacing and structure of the narrative.
They are a key asset in exposition, allowing storytellers to sidestep lengthy explanations.
With an aside, you can swiftly impart critical plot points that keep the story moving without bogging it down in dialogue.
Directors can amplify the impact of an aside through careful cinematography.
A tight close-up, for instance, can pull the audience into a secretive huddle with the speaker.
This technique makes the aside feel even more personal and impactful.
Mastering the effective use of an aside can significantly enhance the storytelling toolkit.
Our knowledge and implementation of this narrative element can transform passive viewers into active participants, forever changing the dynamic of film engagement.
Different Forms Of Asides In Storytelling
In our journey through narrative techniques, we’ve seen how asides serve as a secret channel between characters and the audience.
But what about the myriad of ways directors and writers employ asides?
Sometimes, the aside is a soliloquy – a longer speech where the character’s inner dialogue pours out uninterrupted and heavy with revelation.
Think of Hamlet’s existential musings in Hamlet.
Other times, we find more succinct asides, snappy and brief.
These are like quick glances into a character’s mind, often injected with wit.
A classic example is Ferris Bueller’s wry commentary throughout Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Beyond the length, asides can differ in how they’re delivered:
- Visually through a character’s glance or pause,
- A verbal quip or intimate whisper,
- Through breaking the fourth wall,
- With nonverbal cues like a knowing smile or a nod.
Modern storytelling has evolved asides into complex narrative tools.
They can be woven into voice-overs, where characters narrate over the scene, providing backstory or commentary.
The TV show House of Cards uses this technique to perfection with Frank Underwood’s chilling asides.
Other creative forms include textual asides, where on-screen text or graphics serve a similar purpose.
Edgar Wright’s Scott Pilgrim vs.
the World exhibits this with flair, using text bubbles and graphics to complement the narrative.
We’re keen to emphasize the flexibility of asides.
Whether it’s a whisper or a shouted monologue, each approach offers a unique flavor.
The choice hinges on what fits the tone, pacing, and style of the story being told.
Through careful selection and execution of these different forms, filmmakers can elevate their storytelling to new heights.
Crafting a narrative that engages viewers not just as spectators, but as confidants.
How Asides Drive The Narrative Forward
Asides aren’t just a mere break in character dialogue; they’re a vehicle propelling the story forward.
They thrust the plot into the forefront by offering key information that characters may not otherwise disclose.
Inception of suspense or irony goes hand in hand with asides – they plant seeds that gradually bloom into significant plot points.
By discreetly imparting clues and pending conflicts, asides keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Through asides, filmmakers can cleverly maneuver the pacing of the narrative.
These brief interjections allow the story to take a breath, providing space for the audience to contemplate and anticipate.
Engagement with the audience reaches new heights as asides establish a direct connection.
It’s in these moments that viewers are invited to share exclusive insights – creating a unique bond between them and the narrative.
Our understanding of character dynamics is enriched through asides.
They enable complex relationships to unfold with greater depth – characters reveal private intentions and opinions that impact their interactions with others.
The strategic placement of asides can spotlight key themes within the film:
- Highlighting the moral quandaries a protagonist faces,
- Underscoring the contrast between public actions and private thoughts,
- Reflecting the subtle shifts in alliances and loyalties among characters.
As we dissect the role of asides in storytelling, it’s clear they perform essential functions – from driving the plot forward to deepening the audience’s engagement.
They’re not a mere dramatic device but a storytelling powerhouse that commands attention and shapes the viewer’s journey through the narrative.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Hymfn73-LPQ
What Is An Aside – Wrap Up
We’ve explored the multifaceted nature of asides and their crucial role in storytelling.
These narrative tools are more than mere dialogue interruptions; they’re a bridge between characters and viewers, enhancing our engagement and understanding of the story.
By revealing hidden thoughts and intentions, asides add depth to characters and plot, making our viewing experience richer and more complex.
They’re not just a part of the story—they’re a pivotal element that transforms passive viewing into an interactive experience.
Let’s continue to appreciate the power and purpose of asides as we encounter them in our favorite narratives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is An Aside In Storytelling?
An aside is a dramatic device where a character speaks directly to the audience, revealing private thoughts or key information that other characters are unaware of, providing insight and creating a confidential link with the audience.
How Do Asides Affect The Narrative Of A Story?
Asides drive the narrative forward by injecting suspense, irony, and strategic plot points.
They offer a moment for the audience to reflect, anticipate upcoming events, and gain a deeper understanding of the characters and themes.
Can Asides Reveal A Character’s True Intentions?
Yes, asides are an effective way to disclose a character’s genuine intentions and opinions, which might remain hidden in regular dialogue, thus impacting their interactions and dynamics with other characters.
What Role Do Asides Play In Audience Engagement?
Asides engage the audience by establishing a unique bond, giving viewers exclusive insights into the story and characters, creating a sense of involvement and connection that goes beyond standard storytelling.
Do Asides Highlight Themes In A Film?
Yes, asides can emphasize key themes within a film, like moral dilemmas, the disparity between public behavior and private thoughts, and the shifting alliances or loyalties among characters.
How Do Asides Contribute To Character Development?
Through asides, the audience learns about the underlying motives and conflicts within a character, which might not be evident through interactions with others, enriching the character development and dynamics on screen.
