Dramatic irony is a literary device often used in literature to add suspense and humor. It occurs when the audience or reader knows something that one or more characters do not know, thus creating an ironic situation. The use of dramatic irony can create tension between characters as well as increase the overall enjoyment for readers by adding surprise and wit.
In drama, this type of irony allows writers to hint at future events without revealing too much information about them. This technique helps build anticipation for upcoming plot points while still keeping some elements hidden from viewers until they occur naturally within the story's timeline. By using subtle hints throughout a work of fiction, authors are able to maintain intrigue and keep their audiences guessing what will happen next in order to stay engaged with the narrative.
One classic example of dramatic irony is found in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Throughout the play, Juliet expresses her desire for death rather than living without Romeo; however, unbeknownst to her (and most other characters), Romeo has already been killed off-stage prior to her soliloquy on life after his departure. In this case, readers understand that Juliet's wish will soon come true, but she remains unaware—adding further tragedy yet also providing comic relief due to its inherent absurdity.
Another example comes from Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, where Oedipus unknowingly kills his father, Laius, on his journey home from Corinth despite trying so desperately hard all along not to be guilty of such a crime—only later learning through painful revelation that he was indeed responsible for it all along! Here again, there is a great contrast between the knowledge possessed by both characters and audiences, whereby emotional tension builds up slowly before culminating in a heartwrenching catharsis experienced simultaneously by both parties upon realization taking place during the climax stage.
A final noteworthy instance can be found in Agatha Christie's novel, And Then There Were None, wherein guests staying on an isolated island start dying mysteriously one by one amidst growing suspicion surrounding each individual present there, ultimately leading to a shocking twist at the very end when the murderer himself turns out to be none other than the judge who arrived the first day, thereby providing a huge sense of surprise amongst the entire cast involved, including the audience.
Overall, dramatic irony helps bring greater depth to the storytelling process, allowing the writer to convey certain ideas indirectly instead of bluntly pointing them out directly and leaving room for open interpretation involving the viewer or reader, making the experience even more enjoyable and stimulating at the same time.