Irony and Characterization review

Irony A technique that reveals a difference between what appears to be and what is actually true. Irony is about perception and interpretation. Irony is a very important part of understanding literature.

Type 1: Dramatic Irony Dramatic irony: when the audience knows something a character doesn’t Can you think of an example of dramatic irony from Romeo and Juliet.?

Type 2: Situational Irony Situational irony is when what happens is entirely unexpected. Situational irony has to do with the flow of the narrative. There may be a twist to the story.

Type 3: Verbal Irony When a character says something different than what is meant. The problem with verbal irony is that the tone of voice gives it away. When it is written down, it is hard to realize the verbal irony. Look for contradictory statements and actions, understatements, and overstatements.

Is Verbal Irony Sarcasm? Verbal irony and sarcasm are very closely related. Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony. Sarcasm is meant to wound other people’s feelings. Verbal irony is much more subtle.

Characterization The art of revealing characters’ personalities. Direct- the author tells the reader what a character is like Indirect- characters’ traits are revealed through the characters’ actions, words and appearances; other characters’ comments; other characters’ reactions