Typically refers to the internal world of the story (the diegesis) that the characters themselves experience and encounter including those not actually shown on the screen but referred to in some way within the story. Thus, film elements can be diegetic or non-diegetic. The term is most often used in reference to sound, but can apply to other element in a film. For example, titles, subtitles, background music, and voice-over narration (with exceptions) are non-diegetic elements.Diegetic music. Music from a source within the film scene, such as a live orchestra or a radio playing. See Non-diegetic music.