diegesis
Pronunciation
Noun
C1 Advanced
Quick answer
The narrated world of a story, meaning everything that the characters within it can perceive or experience.
Usage notes
This term is mostly used in film studies, to separate sound or events inside the story's world (diegetic) from those added only for the audience (non-diegetic).
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "A song playing on a character's car radio belongs to the _____, but the film's background score does not."
Answer: diegesis
In your own words, what does "diegesis" mean?
The narrated world of a story, meaning everything that the characters within it can perceive or experience.
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