Dramatic Irony: GCSE English Definition

What is dramatic irony?

In GCSE English Literature, dramatic irony is where the reader or audience knows more about a situation or event than the character knows.

Why do writers use dramatic irony?

Writers use dramatic irony for many different purposes. It can be used to create suspense and anticipation, to develop a theme within the text or to encourage an audience to reflect on the actions and possible outcomes of a character or situation.

Examples of dramatic irony

In An Inspector Calls, a play set in 1912, J. B. Priestly uses dramatic irony to portray the character of Arthur Birling as foolish with his predictions about the Titanic being unsinkable and the impossibility of war. The play’s 1945 audience knows that the character is wrong about both events, and the dramatic irony presents Birling as unworthy of our trust or sympathy.

Similarly, in Macbeth, Shakespeare uses dramatic irony by depicting King Duncan’s misplaced trust in Macbeth, immediately after Macbeth reveals his intentions to kill the king to the audience. While Duncan ironically refers to the Macbeths’ “pleasant castle” and his “fair and noble” hostess, the audience knows that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are contemplating his murder.

Revision resources to ace your exams

Learn how to explore a writer’s use of dramatic irony, including how to incorporate analysis of dramatic irony into your essays, by using our detailed GCSE revision notes.

GCSE English Literature Revision Notes 

For more literary techniques, check out our list of 127 top literary devices, complete with student-friendly definitions.