IRONY It has nothing to do with an iron, but it is heavy stuff!

Dramatic Irony the reader (or audience) knows information about the plot that the character(s) do not know.

Example of Dramatic Irony Readers know that Clark Kent is Superman, but other characters in Superman (like Lois Lane) have no idea that Kent is Superman

Situational Irony an outcome that turns out to be very different from what was expected. The difference between what is expected to what actually occurs.

Example of Situational Irony The president of Microsoft, Bill Gates, wins a contest and the grand prize is a computer system. No one would expect Bill Gates to win this contest, but it ends up happening. –Bill Gates doesn't need a computer; he runs the world's largest software company, and he's filthy rich. Winning a computer seems silly and "ironic".

Another example of Situational Irony A school is having trouble passing state tests. The state decides that they will PUNISH schools with low test scores by cutting funding. Logically, this is only going to worsen the problem, but what actually happens is contrary to our expectations and logic.

Verbal Irony When a character says one thing, but means something entirely different. Sarcasm is verbal irony. Sarcasm enables you to say something in a specific tone, so that your audience understands you mean the opposite. Ex. “We lost again” “Oh, great!”

Verbal Irony is often comical

Example of Verbal Irony A person steps in big puddle of water by mistake, and his/her friend smiles kindly, starts to help his friend up, and remarks, "well now, don't you have all the luck!" The comment will probably be taken as funny and ironic and the two will laugh the mishap off. Verbal irony in its essence requires an understanding of circumstance, attitude, and most importantly, timing.

How are these all related? Irony is a discrepancy between expectations and reality.

Quick Quiz – Tell me whether the following example is dramatic or situational irony AND EXPLAIN: Tim and Bob go to the movies. Tim’s girlfriend just dumped him for some other guy. They run into Tim’s ex- girlfriend and her new man. When she runs to the bathroom, Tim and Bob throw ketchup at the “new man,” but “new man” didn’t know who they were or why they did it.