Published: October 2, 2025
What is An aside? Definition & Meaning
An aside is a brief remark spoken directly to the audience (revealing a character’s thoughts, intentions, or secrets) that other characters on screen or on stage do not hear. It’s a storytelling tool that breaks the normal rules of dialogue. The viewer gains private insight into a character’s mind without disrupting the scene.
How Asides Work in Film and Theater
Asides come from stage plays but are widely used in modern film and TV. They help a character step out of the main action for a moment and share something personal. The comments are not part of the normal dialogue. They are meant only for you.
Compared to monologues or soliloquies, asides are shorter and more spontaneous. The character doesn’t need to be alone. The action keeps going, but the aside opens a private line of communication.
- Length: Usually just a line or two.
- Timing: Happens during action, not in pause or reflection.
- Audience only: Other characters do not hear or respond to it.
In terms of story logic, an aside breaks from diegesis, i.e., the fictional world of the film. When a character speaks to the viewer, they leave the story world temporarily. This is known as breaking the fourth wall. The “fourth wall” is the invisible barrier between the story and the viewer. By breaking it, the character steps outside the film’s reality to speak directly to you.
Why Writers Use Asides
You’ll use asides when you want to let the viewer in on something the other characters don’t know. This can be used for humor, suspense, or clarity. The aside becomes a way to explain or expose information without breaking the flow of the story.
These are some of the main reasons asides are used in storytelling:
- Reveal hidden motives: A character may say one thing aloud, but the aside tells you what they really think or plan.
- Add humor or irony: Quick asides can make a joke or undercut what’s happening in the scene.
- Create dramatic irony: You know something the other characters don’t, which builds tension.
- Foreshadow events: A subtle line in an aside can hint at what’s to come.
- Clarify complex situations: A character might explain a decision or reaction in real time, helping you stay connected to the story.
It’s important that the aside fits the tone of the film. If it feels forced or overused, it can break the story. When used with care, an aside creates a strong connection between the character and the viewer.
Examples of Asides in Film and TV
Many popular films and shows use asides to build voice and tone. Each example below shows how the technique helps shape character or guide the viewer:
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986): Ferris talks directly to the camera to explain how he skips school and avoids trouble. These asides build trust and comedy.
House of Cards (2013–2018): Frank Underwood reveals his political strategies by turning to the camera mid-scene. His cold honesty in the asides makes them even more chilling. Here’s a good example:
Fleabag (2016–2019): The main character uses asides for emotional truth and dark comedy. When she stops using them in season two, it signals a major shift in her personal connection to others. Here’s a good example:
Summing Up
An aside is a direct comment to the viewer that reveals what a character truly thinks or feels. It’s short, personal, and hidden from other characters. In both comedy and drama, asides can sharpen tone, deepen character, or pull you closer to the story, if used with purpose.
Read Next: Want to dig deeper into screenwriting?
Start with the Screenwriter’s Toolkit on literary devices vs. elements – a deep resource covering every major literary device and element used in writing.
Then explore our collection of practical writing techniques covering dialogue, structure, and pacing.
Or jump into the free screenwriting course to start your first draft today.
You can also head back to the Screenwriting section for more tools, theory, and breakdowns.
