Isn’t It Ironic? 3 Types of Irony

WHAT IS IRONY? Irony: the opposite of what is expected. –Irony is about EXPECTATIONS. Three types of irony: 1.Situational 2.Verbal 3.Dramatic

Situational Irony Definition: When what actually happens is the opposite of what is expected. –Something about the situation is completely unexpected. Examples:  My neighbor has an extremely large dog named Tiny.  A fireman was arrested for setting fires for his company to put out.

Situational Irony The opposite of what is expected happens.(video)video

Verbal Irony Definition: A character says one thing but means the opposite. Sometimes sarcasm. Examples: “The locker room smells really good,” I thought as I gagged. “Awesome! Another homework packet!” the student claimed as he rolled his eyes.

Verbal Irony The speaker says the opposite of what they really mean. (video)video

Dramatic Irony Definition: When the reader knows something that a character does not. Examples: Tim’s parents are proud of the “A” he got on the test, but we know he cheated. Alex writes a love poem to Judy but we know that Judy loves Devin.

Dramatic Irony The audience knows something the character doesn’t. (video)video

In conclusion… Something that is ironic is unexpected. –If unexpected by everyone, it’s situational. –If the speaker means the opposite of what is said, it’s verbal. –If unexpected by a character, it’s dramatic. All types of irony can have a humorous, suspenseful, or tragic effect.