What do you call dialogue that is heard by the audience but not by other characters?

Dialogue that is heard by the audience but not by other characters is referred to as asides. This technique allows a character to express thoughts or feelings directly to the audience, providing deeper insight into their motivations or reactions without other characters being aware of it. Asides often enhance the dramatic effect by creating a connection between the character and the audience, allowing viewers to see things from the character's perspective.

The other terms might be misunderstood in this context: soliloquies are lengthy speeches delivered by a character alone on stage, revealing their inner thoughts but with no interaction with others. Monologues are extended speeches by a character in the presence of others, meant to convey information or emotions to those characters, rather than to the audience alone. Expositions refer to background information or context provided to the audience about events, settings, or character backgrounds, rather than a specific piece of dialogue directed to the audience.