Question

In a play, a character plans a surprise party for her friend, unaware that the friend already knows about it. The audience, however, has seen the friend overhear the plans. This is an example of dramatic irony.
What is the most likely reason the playwright uses dramatic irony in this scene? (1 point)
• To create suspense by keeping the characters unaware of key information
• To help the audience understand the theme of friendship
• To confuse the audience with contradictory information
• To make the characters seem foolish and unreliable

Answer 1

To create suspense by keeping the characters unaware of key information.

Explanation: The audience knows more than the characters, which builds tension and anticipation about how and when the characters will discover the truth (and often adds humor).