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:

• Analyze each option:
• Option 1: An unhappy ending is not the definition of dramatic irony. Dramatic irony is about knowledge difference, not just the ending's tone.
• Option 2: Events being opposite of reader's expectation is situational irony, not dramatic irony.
• Option 3: A character saying the opposite of what they mean is verbal irony.
• Option 4: Dramatic irony occurs when the audience (readers) has information that a character in the story lacks. This matches the definition of dramatic irony.

Answer:

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