What do we call a comment made by a character that is directed only to the audience?

The term for a comment made by a character that is directed only to the audience is called an aside. This dramatic device allows the character to share thoughts, feelings, or information with the audience while other characters on stage are unaware of this communication. Asides are often used to provide insight into a character's motivations or to create humor and engage the audience more directly.

In contrast, a monologue is a lengthy speech given by one character, often without interruption, that may or may not address the audience directly. A flashback is a narrative technique that allows the audience to see events that have happened in the past, often used to provide context or backstory. Lastly, a tableau is a still scene, where characters pose to create a visual picture without dialogue, often used to highlight a specific moment or theme. Given these definitions, the correct choice distinctly highlights the unique function of an aside in dramatic storytelling.