Which type of irony involves a situation where the outcome is unexpected?

Situational irony is defined as a scenario in which there is a significant difference between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs. It highlights the contrast between anticipated events and their unexpected outcomes, often revealing a twist that surprises both characters and readers. For example, if a fire station burns down, the expectation would be that a place dedicated to fire safety would be the least likely to catch fire, making the actual event surprising. This type of irony emphasizes the unpredictability of life and can create humor or deepen the emotional impact of a narrative.

In contrast, verbal irony involves a speaker saying one thing while meaning another, often used for sarcasm. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do, creating tension or humor based on this disparity. Metaphorical irony, while less commonly defined, typically involves indirect comparisons rather than unexpected outcomes in situations, making it less applicable to the question at hand.