Definition & Meaning of "dramatic irony"

What is "dramatic irony"?

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience or readers know something that the characters in a story do not. This creates a situation where the audience understands the full implications of a scene or event, while the characters are unaware. For example, in Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows that Juliet is not really dead, but Romeo does not. This creates tension and adds emotional depth to the narrative, as the audience anticipates the characters' reactions to the unfolding events. Dramatic irony enhances the storytelling by aligning the audience’s understanding with the broader context of the plot.