What is the definition of situational irony?

Situational irony occurs when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs. This concept relies heavily on the element of surprise, where the circumstances lead to an outcome that is contrary to what was anticipated. It highlights the unpredictability of life and can often lead to humorous or profound realizations.

In literature and storytelling, situational irony can enhance a narrative by creating a deeper level of engagement for the audience, prompting them to reflect on the contrast between expectation and reality. This form of irony can effectively illustrate themes or moral lessons by emphasizing the unexpected turns of events.

The other options address different literary concepts: the first refers to straightforward truths, the second describes predictability, and the fourth pertains to dramatic irony, where the audience holds knowledge that the characters do not. Each of these elements plays a role in storytelling, but they do not encapsulate the essence of situational irony, which specifically revolves around the unexpected outcomes.