What is an Aside?
A remark made by a character in a play or narrative that is intended to be heard by the audience but unheard by other characters in the work.
A Side Note on Aside
Aside, a literary device found primarily in dramatic works, is a remark made by a character that is intended to be heard by the audience, but unheard by other characters in the work.
Derived from the Latin ad sedere, which means to sit down beside or next to, the aside was used in classical drama to convey secret thoughts or information to the audience. In Shakespearean plays, for example, asides are often marked by the use of italics and may be directed at the audience or a specific character on stage.
When used effectively, an aside can provide valuable insight into a character's psyche or create tension or humor. However, it can also disrupt the flow of the narrative, and too many asides can be overwhelming or distracting for an audience.
In creative writing, writers may use asides to break the fourth wall or add context to a scene without interrupting the action. While an aside can be a powerful literary tool, it should be used sparingly and with intention to avoid detracting from the overall story.
Despite being a theatrical device, aside has been integrated into literary works throughout history. Here are two such examples:
Hamlet, Act I, Scene V: After encountering the ghost of his father, Hamlet reveals his inner turmoil and desire for revenge with the aside: 'O all you host of heaven! O earth! what else? And shall I couple hell?'
To Kill a Mockingbird, Chapter 3: Scout, the narrator, breaks the fourth wall with an aside, providing important background information about the Maycomb community: 'Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town when I first knew it.'