"The fourth wall" is an expression stemming from the world of theater. In most modern theater design, a room will consist of three physical walls, as well as a an imaginary fourth that serves to separate the world of the characters from that of the audience.
In fiction, "breaking the fourth wall" often means having a character become aware of their fictional nature. This can range from your character advising you to "Press X" in a tutorial all the way to Psycho Mantis reading your memory card and mentioning the other games you've been playing. However, the most direct violation of the fourth wall would be a character openly acknowledging they are in a video game or even directly speaking to you, the player, instead of to your character.
In fiction, "breaking the fourth wall" often means having a character become aware of their fictional nature. This can range from your character advising you to "Press X" in a tutorial all the way to Psycho Mantis reading your memory card and mentioning the other games you've been playing. However, the most direct violation of the fourth wall would be a character openly acknowledging they are in a video game or even directly speaking to you, the player, instead of to your character.
(Jak 3:)
Monk: This isn't a game!
-Jak and Daxter look toward the player with confused expressions-
(Dragon Age 2:)
Ghyslain (when a quest from him is available:) Does no one see this exclamation mark above my head?
(Other:)
Man: Have you ever wondered why everything we do is controlled by-
Dog: Stop! Breaking the fourth wall is a bad idea!
Monk: This isn't a game!
-Jak and Daxter look toward the player with confused expressions-
(Dragon Age 2:)
Ghyslain (when a quest from him is available:) Does no one see this exclamation mark above my head?
(Other:)
Man: Have you ever wondered why everything we do is controlled by-
Dog: Stop! Breaking the fourth wall is a bad idea!
by Dante Hawke March 14, 2012
"The fourth wall" is the wall that separates fictional worlds from reality, so breaking the fourth wall is basically saying that you know that there's another universe outside of the fictional one.
Deadpool does this alot
Deadpool does this alot
Deadpool: "A message to all the kids out there, cover your eyes if ya don't wanna be scarred for life, eh?" (shoots someone)
Me: Quit breaking the fourth wall, dude
Me: Quit breaking the fourth wall, dude
by Lolliepuff December 26, 2014
Guy watching movie: this character sucks
character in movie: *Looks at the guy* No i dont!
Guy watching movie: the f***? thats breaking the fourth wall!
character in movie: *Looks at the guy* No i dont!
Guy watching movie: the f***? thats breaking the fourth wall!
by JTube March 26, 2019
In a piece of fiction, eg. a comic, novel, or theatre, for a character to acknowledge the fact that they are fictional.
by A guy called James January 17, 2005
What Deadpool does constantly
by Harley Quinnzel August 25, 2016
1. The concept of, while being a player or audience member of a game or performance, you spend your time and energy criticizing and making fun of that game or performance.
2. The idea of making a satire or parody of a game or performance.
This comes from Linkara's comic review web-show called "Atop the Fourth Wall", where he'll make comments and make fun of bad comics.
2. The idea of making a satire or parody of a game or performance.
This comes from Linkara's comic review web-show called "Atop the Fourth Wall", where he'll make comments and make fun of bad comics.
1. "I'll keep atop the fourth wall on this game."
2. "Man, that was a nice satire. I liked how you played atop the fourth wall on that one."
2. "Man, that was a nice satire. I liked how you played atop the fourth wall on that one."
by UnholyFireDragon March 5, 2011
by Saiyara December 30, 2004