What is Irony in a Play?

In a play, irony is a literary device where the intended meaning of words or actions is different from the actual meaning. It can create humor, suspense, or surprise for the audience. There are three main types of irony: verbal, situational, and dramatic. Verbal irony occurs when a character says something that contrasts with what they actually mean. Situational irony happens when the outcome of a situation is different from what was expected. Lastly, dramatic irony is when the audience knows more about the situation than the characters on stage. Understanding irony adds depth to analyzing and interpreting plays.