Aside
A dramatic convention in which a character addresses the audience directly while other characters on stage cannot hear. Asides reveal a character's true thoughts or feelings contrasting with their public speech.
Real World
In Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', Macbeth's asides during the banquet scene — while hosting cheerfully — expose his horror at Banquo's ghost, creating dramatic irony as the court remains oblivious.
Exam Focus
Analyse asides as sites of dramatic irony — explain the gap between the character's public performance and private revelation to access higher-band marks.
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