Question

which statement describes dramatic irony?
○ there is an unhappy ending for one or more of the characters.
○ the events turn out in a way that is the opposite of what readers expect.
○ a character says the opposite of what he or she means.
○ readers know something about a situation that the character does not know.

Explanation:

To determine the correct description of dramatic irony, we analyze each option:

• The first option describes a tragic or unhappy ending, not dramatic irony.
• The second option is situational irony (outcome opposite of expectation).
• The third option is verbal irony (saying the opposite of what is meant).
• The fourth option matches the definition of dramatic irony, where the audience/reader has knowledge that a character lacks.

Answer:

D. Readers know something about a situation that the character does not know.