Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Practice Test

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What is the purpose of an aside in a play?

To move the plot forward
To provide background information
To allow a character to express internal thoughts
To develop other characters

The correct answer is: To allow a character to express internal thoughts

The purpose of an aside in a play is to allow a character to express internal thoughts. This dramatic device is typically intended for the audience's ears only, meaning that the other characters on stage are not meant to hear what is being said. This provides insight into the character's innermost feelings, motivations, or reactions to events occurring in the play, creating a deeper connection between the audience and the character. The use of asides can also contribute to dramatic irony, as the audience may understand more about the character’s intentions than the other characters do. In contrast, other functions such as moving the plot forward, providing background information, or developing other characters may be achieved through dialogue, action, or exposition but do not specifically utilize the device of an aside.