
Dramatic Irony
Dramatic irony is a literary device where the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do. This creates a contrast between the character's understanding and the reality that the audience is aware of, often generating tension, humor, or emotional depth. For example, in a play, if a character is planning a surprise party for someone who is already aware of it, the audience knows the secret while the character does not, leading to a richer experience as viewers anticipate the character's reaction when they discover the truth.
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Dramatic irony is a literary device where the audience knows something that the characters do not. This creates tension or humor as the audience anticipates how the characters will react when the truth is revealed. A classic example is in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," where the audience knows Juliet is alive, but Romeo does not, leading to tragic consequences. This irony enhances storytelling by deepening engagement, as viewers or readers become invested in the unfolding drama, aware of the impending outcomes that the characters remain oblivious to.