What is "dramatic irony"?

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience possesses knowledge that the characters in the story do not. This creates a situation where the audience is aware of significant information or circumstances that alter their understanding of the unfolding events, often leading to heightened suspense or emotional engagement. For instance, in a play or a movie, the audience may know that a character is in danger or that a secret plan is about to be revealed, while the character themselves remains oblivious to this information. This discrepancy between the audience's knowledge and the characters' understanding enhances the depth and complexity of the narrative, allowing for richer interpretations and emotional responses.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent dramatic irony. The humorous use of irony in dialogue pertains more to comedic situations rather than the dramatic tension created by knowledge gaps. The contrast between expectations and reality speaks to situational irony, which is different from the specific relationship established in dramatic irony. A character's emotional struggle relates to their internal conflicts but does not necessarily engage with the audience's awareness versus the character's ignorance.