Fourth wall
concept in performing arts separating performers from the audience / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The fourth wall is the imaginary "wall" at the front of the stage in a traditional three-walled theatre. In a theatre, the fourth wall is the one through which the audience sees the action of the play.[1][2] The idea of the fourth wall was made famous by philosopher and critic Denis Diderot. It was used more in the 19th century.[3] The fourth wall extended the idea of an imaginary boundary between any fictional work and its audience.
If an actor speaks directly to the audience, does something to the audience, or even simply notices the audience, it is known as "breaking the fourth wall". In a movie, or on television, this can be done by the actor speaking directly to the camera. This breaks a boundary normally set up or assumed by works of fiction. It is known as a metafictional technique.[1][4] In literature and video games, it happens when a character acknowledges the reader or player.
The fourth wall is not the same as a soliloquy. A soliloquy is a dramatic device used by playwrights where the character on stage gives a monologue which gives the audience insight into their thoughts.
The acceptance of the transparency of the fourth wall is part of the suspension of disbelief between a fictional work and an audience. It allows them to enjoy the fiction as if they were observing real events.[2] Although the critic Vincent Canby described it in 1987 as "that invisible scrim that forever separates the audience from the stage".[5]