What type of irony involves the audience knowing more than the character?

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience is privy to information that a character is unaware of, creating a contrast between the character's understanding and the reality of the situation. This type of irony is commonly used in literature, film, and theater to build tension and engagement, as the audience anticipates how the character will react when they discover the truth. It enhances the emotional experience by allowing the audience to connect with the narrative on a deeper level, knowing that the character's actions or beliefs are based on incomplete or flawed information.

In contrast, other forms of irony, such as situational irony, involve a discrepancy between expected outcomes and actual outcomes, while verbal irony is characterized by a speaker saying the opposite of what they mean. Literal irony doesn’t align with the definitions of irony as it is straightforward and not contrasted with any deeper meaning.