What best describes dramatic irony?

• A. The author’s direct comments on a character
• B. When the audience knows more than the characters
• C. A misunderstanding between characters
• D. A hidden agenda of the characters

Answer: (B)

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience possesses more information than the characters within a narrative, leading to a deeper understanding of the unfolding events. This technique creates tension and engagement, as the viewers or readers are aware of circumstances or truths that the characters are not. For example, if a character is planning a surprise party but is unaware that the person they are planning it for knows about it, the audience's knowledge of this discrepancy heightens their anticipation and emotional response. This element of dramatic irony enriches storytelling by allowing audiences to experience the gap between a character's beliefs or understanding and the actual situation, often resulting in humor, suspense, or tragedy.