Dramatic irony occurs when the audience or reader knows something that the characters in a story do not. It creates tension and suspense as the audience waits for the characters to discover the truth.
Related terms
Situational Irony: Situational irony is when there is a contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually happens in a situation.
Verbal Irony: Verbal irony is when someone says something but means the opposite, often used for sarcasm or humor.