Which type of irony is characterized by the audience knowing more than the characters?

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience has knowledge that the characters do not, creating a contrast between what the audience understands and what the characters are experiencing. This type of irony is particularly effective in storytelling, as it can heighten tension, suspense, or humor. For example, in a play or movie, the audience might know that a character is in danger while the character remains oblivious to this threat. This knowledge allows the audience to engage more deeply with the storyline, anticipating the character's reaction when they finally come to realize the truth.

The other types of irony listed do not have this characteristic. Situational irony deals with an outcome that is contrary to what was expected, while verbal irony involves a speaker saying one thing but meaning another. A paradox presents an idea that seems contradictory but reveals a deeper truth. Each of these elements contributes to the richness of language and storytelling, but dramatic irony specifically focuses on the disparity of knowledge between the audience and the characters.