Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
dramatic irony
Noun
/drəˈmætɪk ˈaɪrəni/
Definition
Dramatic irony is a literary device where the audience knows more about a situation than the characters, creating tension or humor.
Examples
- In the play “Romeo and Juliet,” the audience knows that Juliet is not dead, but Romeo does not, highlighting dramatic irony.
- The dramatic irony in the movie comes from the fact that we know the villain’s true identity, while the hero remains unaware.
Meaning
It occurs when what the characters believe and what the audience knows are in conflict, often leading to an emotional response.
Synonyms
- Situational irony
- Verbal irony
- Cosmic irony
