"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 September 23, 2012
Get the Breaking the Fourth Wall mug.(noun) - Posting a message on facebook that initiates a wall war between two friends that do not know each other which compels the poster to delete posts, send instant messages and texts to quell the skirmish.
Larry: Wow! What's was up with your post last night? You certainly had Jody and Lisa catfighting on your wall.
Vince: Yeah, I had to partake in some serious crisis wall management.
Vince: Yeah, I had to partake in some serious crisis wall management.
by ITALUS September 10, 2011
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When something becomes made clear, usually something bad. Signifys specifically figuring something out by reading between the lines of the situation. A realization that - once made - would be foolish to ignore.
After that last financial meeting I can twll that the writings on the wall that they were going bankrupt. So I chose to find a new job as soon as I could.
by AKJDT October 25, 2015
Get the writings on the wall mug.by Slouching Buddha October 22, 2010
Get the piss on your wall mug.'First against the wall'. Refers to an outgoing elite who will face the firing squads 'when the revolution comes'.
by Parkaboy November 6, 2015
Get the first against the wall mug.Wish wall withdrawals occur when a person decides to do another raid. In extreme cases these symptoms can occur when in orbit. Symptoms include seizures, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, headaches, insomnia, sweating, and delirium.
by Some Kind of Redneck Man May 30, 2020
Get the Wish wall withdrawals mug.1. A bunch of beautiful, feisty kids who know alot more about life than most. Possibly a motley of satyr and pooka wilder.
No we won't be scared
No we won't back down
We will sing pretty songs about love
And we will fight if that's what it takes
And we won't back down
No we won't shut our eyes and go to sleep
We will write all over your walls
And we will dance to no music at all
We will do what it takes to get through to you.
-Tilly and the Wall
No we won't back down
We will sing pretty songs about love
And we will fight if that's what it takes
And we won't back down
No we won't shut our eyes and go to sleep
We will write all over your walls
And we will dance to no music at all
We will do what it takes to get through to you.
-Tilly and the Wall
by Galen Deepinglen August 5, 2004
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