Irony: a contrast in which one facet of a story mocks another
Irony is a technique writers can use to hint at the complexity of an experience using an economy of words. By suggesting meaning without having to go into lengthy explanations, the writer can create a lasting impact on the reader. There are three kinds of irony in fiction:
1) Verbal
This kind of irony is the simplest and least impactful kind. When a character says something that has the opposite meaning from what he or she intended, it becomes a simple play on words. Verbal irony is often used for comedic effect.
2) Dramatic
Dramatic irony is a direct contrast between what a character says and what the reader knows to be true. An author can use this type of irony to plunge deeper into a character, as the said comment can reveal truths about the character's value system and core beliefs.
3) Irony of Situation
The most impactful kind on irony, this writer's tool presents a discrepancy between appearance and reality. Expectation and fulfillment. An example would be the hunter becoming the hunted.
Okay, your turn. Can you think of an example in film or fiction that uses one of the three types of irony to deepen the audience's experience?
