Which of the following best describes "asides" in literature?

Asides in literature are specific remarks made by a character that are intended to be heard by the audience but not by other characters. These brief statements often provide insight into the character's inner thoughts, emotions, or motivations, allowing the audience to gain a deeper understanding of the character's perspective or feelings regarding the situation unfolding in the narrative. This device creates a more intimate connection between the character and the audience, as it exposes thoughts that the character may not express out loud to others within the story.

The other options, while related to different literary techniques, do not accurately characterize asides. For instance, direct addresses to the audience imply a more overt interaction, while background information is typically provided through exposition, and summarizing the plot does not align with the function of asides, which are more about character introspection rather than overarching narrative summary.