Aside
Literary term · say it uh-SYDE
An aside is a brief remark in a play that the audience hears but some or all other characters are understood not to hear. It can reveal a private thought, expose a hidden plan, or share a joke with the audience.
Ways an aside appears
A private reaction
A character briefly reveals a thought while others remain unaware of it. The audience learns how the character really feels beneath polite conversation.
In Hamlet, Hamlet privately expresses his disgust at his new family relationship with Claudius while the king addresses him at court.
In Hamlet by William Shakespeare
A hidden plan
A character lets the audience glimpse a scheme without alerting the people it threatens. This can make an ordinary exchange feel dangerous.
In Othello, Iago watches Cassio take Desdemona's hand and privately considers how to turn this courtesy into evidence against him.
In Othello by William Shakespeare
How to spot an aside
- Look for a stage direction marking a remark as an aside.
- Notice brief comments that nearby characters do not react to.
- Ask what private knowledge the remark gives the audience.
What is the difference between an aside and a soliloquy?
An aside is usually a brief private remark within a scene, while a soliloquy is a longer speech that explores a character's thoughts. Other characters are often present during an aside; a character delivering a soliloquy is usually alone or believes no one is listening.
Can an aside appear in a novel?
Yes, an aside can also mean a brief comment that steps away from the main story or argument. In a novel, a narrator might pause to address the reader or add an observation. This broader use differs from the stage convention of unheard speech.
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