In which type of irony does the audience know more than the characters?

• A. Verbal
• B. Situational
• C. Dramatic
• D. Cosmic irony

Answer: (C)

Dramatic irony happens when the audience has information that a character does not, which creates suspense as we anticipate the moment of discovery. This fits the question perfectly because the contrast between what the audience knows and what the character understands is the key feature. For example, in a mystery, we might see the villain preparing to strike while the protagonist remains unaware, and the tension comes from knowing the truth the character hasn’t yet uncovered. Verbal irony involves saying the opposite of what is meant, not a knowledge gap. Situational irony is when the outcome is contrary to what was expected, and cosmic irony involves fate or the universe seemingly toying with the characters.