Irony

Irony is the difference between appearance and reality.

Dramatic Irony The reader knows more about the events of a story than a character within it. Characters’ beliefs become ironic because they are very different from reality, and their intentions are likewise different from the outcome their actions will have.

Verbal Irony The words of a character have a hidden meaning as well as an apparent one.

Situational Irony There is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually happens.

Structural Irony A double level of meaning is continued throughout a work by means of a participant in the story whose judgment is impaired by prejudice, personal interests or limited knowledge.

Structural Irony A double level of meaning is continued throughout a work by means of a participant in the story whose judgment is impaired by prejudice, personal interests or limited knowledge.