Which choice is the best definition of dramatic irony?

A. when a character says the opposite of what he or she means
B. when a contradiction exists between what a character seems to be and what he or she is
C. when the audience knows something that the characters do not
D. when a contradiction exists between what is expected to happen and what does happen

1 answer

The best definition of dramatic irony is:

C. when the audience knows something that the characters do not.

This defines the situation where the audience is aware of key information that the characters are oblivious to, creating tension or humor in the narrative.