Aside vs. Soliloquy

Attribute	Aside	Soliloquy
Definition	A remark or passage by a character in a play that is intended to be heard by the audience but unheard by the other characters on stage.	A speech delivered by a character alone on stage, expressing their inner thoughts and feelings.
Character Interaction	Character speaks directly to the audience or makes a side comment to another character.	Character speaks to themselves, revealing their innermost thoughts and emotions.
Purpose	To provide additional information or insight to the audience, often for comedic effect or to reveal a character's true intentions.	To reveal the character's inner conflicts, motivations, and emotions to the audience.

Definition

An aside is a dramatic device in which a character speaks directly to the audience, revealing their inner thoughts or feelings. This is usually done while other characters are present on stage, but they are unaware of the aside. On the other hand, a soliloquy is a speech delivered by a character alone on stage, expressing their thoughts and emotions. It is a way for the character to reveal their innermost feelings without the presence of other characters.

Function

Asides are often used to provide the audience with information that the other characters are not privy to. They can also be used to add humor or irony to a scene, as the character may say something contradictory to what they are saying to the other characters. Soliloquies, on the other hand, are more introspective and are used to give the audience insight into the character's motivations and inner struggles. They can also be used to advance the plot or provide commentary on the events of the play.

Character Interaction

One key difference between asides and soliloquies is the level of interaction with other characters. Asides are meant to be unheard by the other characters on stage, so there is no direct interaction between the character delivering the aside and the other characters. Soliloquies, on the other hand, are a form of direct address to the audience, but the character is still alone on stage. This allows for a more intimate connection between the character and the audience, as they are speaking directly to them.

Length and Frequency

Asides are typically shorter in length compared to soliloquies, as they are meant to be quick interjections in the midst of a scene. They are also less frequent throughout a play, as they are used sparingly to provide insight or commentary. Soliloquies, on the other hand, can be longer in length and more frequent, as they are often used by characters to express their innermost thoughts and emotions. They can be a key tool for character development and can occur multiple times throughout a play.

Emotional Depth

Soliloquies tend to have a greater emotional depth compared to asides. Since soliloquies are delivered by a character alone on stage, they have the opportunity to fully express their emotions without any interruptions. This allows for a more intense and introspective exploration of the character's inner world. Asides, on the other hand, are more focused on providing information or commentary, so they may not always delve as deeply into the character's emotional state.

Impact on the Audience

Both asides and soliloquies have the potential to impact the audience in different ways. Asides can provide a sense of dramatic irony, as the audience is aware of information that the other characters are not. This can create tension and suspense in a scene. Soliloquies, on the other hand, can create a sense of intimacy between the character and the audience, as the character is speaking directly to them. This can evoke empathy and understanding for the character's struggles and motivations.