What is Irony? “Irony” is a discrepancy or incongruity between what we perceive and what exists in actuality. It occurs when we recognize that “reality” differs from “appearance” in some way.

Verbal Irony Verbal Irony occurs when a narrator or character says one thing while actually suggesting the opposite. “It’s easy to stop smoking. I’ve done it many times.” Do not confuse verbal irony with sarcasm, which is usually more harsh and used to insult someone.

Situational Irony Situational Irony occurs when an outcome turns out differently from what one would normally expect—a “twist.” Often the “twist” is oddly appropriate.

Situational Irony (Examples) A deep sea diver drowning in a bathtub. A marriage counselor filing for divorce. The hunter becoming the hunted.

Dramatic Irony Dramatic Irony occurs when a character or speaker says or does something that has different meanings from what he or she thinks it means, though the audience understands the full implications of the speech or action.

Dramatic Irony (Continued) In other words, dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the character is unaware of. We know that Juliet is only sleeping. Romeo thinks she’s dead.