Irony Explained - 3 Types of Irony Every Storyteller Should Know (Verbal, Situational, and Dramatic)

What is irony - An overview of all types of irony, including verbal irony, situational irony, dramatic irony, their sub-types, and irony examples.
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3 Types of Irony Every Storyteller Should Know ►► bit.ly/wi-ir
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:05 - What is Irony?
02:37 - Verbal Irony
05:13 - Situational Irony
08:28 - Dramatic Irony
10:48 - Wrap Up
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Irony is just as inseparable from storytelling as it is from life. We see it in our everyday lives but irony is also one of the most misunderstood concepts. That is the goal of this video: to define irony and all its forms so that writers and storytellers can wield it with clarity and precision. So, what is irony? What are the different types of irony and how can they be used across any genre for a multitude of purposes? Let’s get started.
We define irony as when reality is the opposite of expectation or when what is said is the opposite of the intended meaning. Perhaps the biggest misconception about irony is that any lucky or strange or coincidental situation qualifies as ironic. The key thing to remember when thinking of irony is the word “opposite” - if it’s not opposite, it’s not irony. Everything else is bad luck, odd coincidence, or an unexpected surprise. We just defined pure irony but there are many variations we need to discuss.
There are three main types of irony: verbal irony, situational irony, and dramatic irony. And within those main branches, we have sarcasm, understatement, overstatement, Socratic irony, cosmic irony, poetic irony, structural irony, historical irony, and tragic irony. Phew!
Verbal irony covers speech - what we say is the opposite of what we mean. This isn’t the same as lying or being hypocritical, this is an intentionally worded phrase that is meant to be understood as ironic. Sarcasm is when you use verbal irony to criticize or ridicule someone else. Overstatement is using exaggeration to express a thought or feeling and understatement goes the opposite direction to de-emphasize the intended meaning. Socratic irony is used when someone “feigns ignorance” (aka “plays dumb”) to outsmart someone else.
Situational irony is when the opposite of what we expect to happen, happens. Cosmic irony adds a layer of “fate” or “divine influence” to traditional situational irony. Poetic irony occurs when goodness is rewarded and evil is punished in a particularly ironic way. Structural irony is when an entire character and/or story is based on an ironic situation. And historical irony is when hindsight provides an ironic twist on past events.
Dramatic irony also involves a sharp contrast between expectation and reality but, in this case, the audience or reader understands the truth before the characters do. This can create tension and suspense as we wait to see what happens when the characters finally encounter the truth. Tragic irony is simply dramatic irony with tragic consequences - think of Shakespeare’s tragedies like Othello and Romeo and Juliet.
When writers understand the depths and nuances of irony, they can tackle any subject or genre with this exceptionally effective tool.
#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
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VIDEO EDITOR: BRANDON SCULLION
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♬ SONGS USED:
“String Quartet in F Major Second Movement” - Ysae Quartet
“The Slough Pit of Creation” - Carter Burwell
“Peter and the Wolf” - Sergei Prokofiev
“The Wanderer” - Makeup and Vanity Set
“All Star” - Smash Mouth
“Bohemian Rhapsody” - Queen
“Keep Your Eyes On Me” Instrumental - Heather Lee
“To Die For” - Danny Elfman
“Should I Stay or Should I Go?” - The Clash
“White Tiger” - John Carpenter
“Son of a Preacher Man” - Dusty Springfield
“Tannhäuser Gate” - Makeup and Vanity Set
“The First Victim” - John Williams
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[@StudioBinder]

Download FREE "Irony Explained" eBook ►► bit.ly/ir-eb Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:05 - What is Irony? 02:37 - Verbal Irony 05:13 - Situational Irony 08:28 - Dramatic Irony 10:48 - Wrap Up

[@dredddpatrol]

excellent video!! can you guys do a deep dive into noir or mystery.

[@BrettonFerguson]

They really could have benefited from a bigger boat though.

[@axilator]

I would love to see an episode on Allegories and Metaphors...keep these videos coming...they are great.

[@sparshmishra4950]

Yes it would be great

[@StudioBinder]

We have something in the works ;)

[@MM-eb9ub]

@@StudioBinder You are the best!

[@axilator]

@@MM-eb9ub Agreeeeed

[@MinilifeTV]

The thing I love most about these videos is that they're informative while being crafted with great comedic edits.

[@theonlymegumegu]

maybe they need an ep on comedic setup and timing XD

[@StudioBinder]

Entertaining education is our mission!

[@CarletonTorpin]

The Titanic smash-cut at the end was my favorite.

[@1funkyflyguy]

@@StudioBinder Love it!

[@grizzlednerd4521]

I LOLed at the Spoiler Alert for the end of Romeo and Juliet.

[@eddyk3]

I assume the 'Spoiler Alert' for a 400+ year old play was a joke 😂

[@gsvick]

Did you mean that it was ironic?

[@StudioBinder]

Yes, you might say it was a bit ironic 🙂

[@reidflemingworldstoughestm1394]

That would be irony.

[@JRCSalter]

Or the fact that the moment is spoiled within the first foureteen lines of dialogue

[@ebrahimezzy6534]

@@StudioBinder Well played.

[@dinodinoulis923]

I’m presuming that the inclusion of a “Spoiler Alert” before revealing the ending of Romeo & Juliet was an intentional example of irony. 🌹 Another really great video.

[@errhka]

The cut from 'God himself could not sink this ship!' to the titanic halfway in the water had me dyin 🤣

[@StudioBinder]

God can't, but an iceberg will do it haha

[@AScreenwritersJourney]

10:18 "Spoiler Alert" HILARIOUS! Yes, more videos on writing concepts, please.

[@StudioBinder]

More to come 👌

[@son1tus]

Lost it, too.

[@CarletonTorpin]

I believe the spoiler alert was... ironic? :D

[@TheAJP]

I would love a video on how action in films is spaced to keep the Audience engaged

[@lutherchuah1342]

Bad example: Liam Neeson vaulting a fence in "Taken"

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@reidflemingworldstoughestm1394]

@@StudioBinder And make sure to contrast examples of pacing that engages the audience with pacing that loses the audience's attention. I see a lot of the latter, but it's hard to nail down exactly why the pacing doesn't work.

[@xpirate16]

I'm not a writer or anything, but I LOVE these videos. Learning about the craft helps me more appreciate any kind of storytelling

[@adelecheraghi583]

It could not be explained, visualized, dramatized better than this. Thank you!

[@StudioBinder]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@alexwilliamns]

I appreciate the spoiler alert for a 500 year old story 😂

[@StudioBinder]

You never know 🤷‍♂

[@johnsensebe3153]

I was already spoiled by Hot Fuzz.

[@g.a.r3058]

That was ironic

[@hubris3067]

Irony is the opposite of wrinkly

[@hambatuhan3165]

Why are your explainer videos so damn good not to mention easy to understand

[@StudioBinder]

Labor of love :)

[@DulinaChandrasiri]

Hey just wanna say I'm really grateful for the content you guys put out for free! ❤️

[@StudioBinder]

We appreciate it!

[@maddieb5787]

I was wondering if verbal irony and sarcasm were the same thing and then you explained the subtypes! You guys really do cover everything !

[@nigelasipa4150]

The moment the Drefusses are revealed under the floorboards and then onwards in Inglorious Basterds is a prime example of Dramatic Irony

[@StudioBinder]

Yup, dramatic irony is a frequent area of suspense!

[@maraheiat]

I'm transferring schools and my English entrance exam requires the skill of Identifying types of irony, I really appreciate this video!

[@JosephTPorter]

My favorite example of beautifully succinct dramatic irony is from Temple Of Doom: "Ha ha ha! Nice try, Lao Che!" *closes door on "Lao Che Air Freight" plane*

[@StudioBinder]

😂

[@brownell.landrum]

I'm obsessed with Irony - and LOVE this video (and article and handout). If you want to see a "masterclass" in irony - watch Promising Young Woman. From the music to the casting to the decor - and more - it's beyond brilliant.

[@StudioBinder]

Great example!

[@MM-eb9ub]

I love this series! Please keep uploading about writing perspectives

[@StudioBinder]

Will do!

[@JoseEncarnacao]

It's well structured, edited and thought through. Cheers from Portugal. @@StudioBinder

[@lexcoupe82]

Love this commentator, videos are always top level quality, well scripted and edited. And a dope ass accent

[@StudioBinder]

Only the best for you guys 💯

[@ScriptSleuth]

Terrific video. Dropping some serious knowledge! 👊

[@StudioBinder]

That's always the goal 👍

[@belrode1842]

I can't believe this channel exists, every video it's so perfect

[@StudioBinder]

We appreciate the feedback!

[@gokulmadhu1906]

In Inglorious Basterds were Shoshanna's revenge was executed perfectly but the fact/irony that she would never know whether it happened or didn't pulled my heart strings and that's when the film was elevated to a state of masterpiece for me. It is irony right?

[@normang3668]

There's definitely some irony in her demise as well. . . She had a bit of regret when she shot Zoller, and perhaps empathized with him for a moment, only for him to roll over with a pistol in hand and gun her down. It was the only time she felt anything other than repulsion towards him, and the only time he showed any aggression towards her.

[@FC-hj9ub]

Why wouldn't she know?

[@cornbread2675]

@@FC-hj9ub She died minutes before she could see that her plan succeed

[@ianbuenav]

Love this video, especially the clips and song choices at the end, it was hilarious.

[@saiprasad4652]

Can you please make videos about screenplay writing?

[@braydynniewiadomski5454]

Seconded! This would be fantastic.

[@StudioBinder]

If you mean specifically the formatting, we have this vid kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWPYi2p_lseJha8

[@saiprasad4652]

@@StudioBinder thanks for replying, I've seen the formatting video. I would love to see a video about effective screen writing.

[@alexwilliamns]

Thanks for the video! Will be coming back to rewatch whenever I hear someone say “That was ironic.”

[@StudioBinder]

It'll be here for you :)

[@joshuaosborne9203]

This is a Masterclass level of depth all for free on KZbin. Thank you so much.

[@Roycey77]

Thank you, StudioBinder, for the ebook. I will put it to good use. And thank you, too, for the educational and entertaining content.

[@StudioBinder]

Hope you like it!

[@kamikazeab7537]

I have a project for my french class and I need historical irony other than "Titanic" cause I can't find it in a french version Excellent work!!!

[@SilverMe2004]

the Maginot Line?

[@victoriamuedano860]

Ms. Muedano's 3 period stated that the video has deepen their understanding. .. shoutout to all the teachers who work with Freshman.... the struggle is real!

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

I think I might have to watch it again to let all sink in :) Awesome & Thanks :)

[@StudioBinder]

Watch as many times as you like ;)

[@vishalaher7800]

I am really greatful to studio binder for providing these information and these videos. You guys are really doing great work , and I wish you guys never stop providing these amazing videos to us. Truly thank you studiobinder 🙏 Totally greatful ❤️

[@StudioBinder]

We have no plans on stopping

[@vishalaher7800]

@@StudioBinder you shouldn't 🥂

[@Mr_Case_Time]

I think Curb Your Enthusiasm is basically an irony writing exercise for Larry David.

[@StudioBinder]

Good point!

[@judichristopher4604]

Another EXCELLENT VIDEO... As Always. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@OlgaKuznetsova]

These videos are a delicious gift!! I'm always so eager and excited to learn thanks to ya'll!!!

[@StudioBinder]

Great to hear!

[@deanconwayfilm]

The dramatic irony utilised in Kids (1995) is a great use of the storytelling technique in film

[@StudioBinder]

Good point!

[@arshdevsingh1848]

Was watching a movie and spotted they were using Amorphous lens...felt AWESOME...thanks to you my Liege

[@StudioBinder]

haha you're a good student!

[@franc5148]

1:34 THANK YOU i was waiting for the moment with THAT song 😂😂

[@StudioBinder]

Had to haha

[@anmolzero4937]

Thank you for making me feel like I understand ☺️

[@StudioBinder]

You will with this video :)

[@yogoestudios]

Excellent video, it is the first where they explain in detail the function of an element so used in the movies, with reason pult fiction and reservori dogs I love so much.

[@StudioBinder]

Enhancing your movie-going experience

[@AureliunDHrisikesa]

I love this channel so much man. I can't

[@StudioBinder]

Appreciate our viewers!

[@johnstrange6799]

Plain and simple.. I love this channel.

[@StudioBinder]

No better way :)

[@itsgus26]

Good video still trying to wrap my head around it may rewatch

[@StudioBinder]

It'll be here for many rewatches!

[@SandeshHR]

Thankyou, another Great Video!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@teacherofteachers1239]

I don't actually know the particular film (Ace Ventura maybe?), but at about 2:06 I'm noticing that the actor playing the doctor breaks up watching Jim Carrey.

[@StudioBinder]

Yup, film names are on the bottom right corner as it appears!

[@elkikex]

Stanley finished watching the video and thought he now had a thorough understanding of what irony is. Stanley was mistaken.

[@resevoirdog]

This is probably one of my very favorite channels on YT. And I watch alot of vids lol

[@DelightLovesMovies]

I love your vids StudioBinder. They are all so cool.

[@StudioBinder]

We try to be 😆

[@darrelldadams]

"it's like 'Goldie' or ''Bronzie'....." Baldric was Fun AF

[@xliquidflames]

I see what you did there. A spoiler alert for one of the most well known stories ever written was a nice touch. Oh, the irony! That would be an example of verbal irony, specifically sarcasm, yes?

[@okamivolgan]

yet another good video.... how about an episode about plot twist?

[@StudioBinder]

We have a similar video with our red herrings you might like! kzbin.info/www/bejne/amjRpXV7od-Ujc0

[@thebusinessfirm9862]

Brilliant video. Great narrator.

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@P0L0K0P]

Gotta love that string quartet by Ravel

[@StudioBinder]

A classic

[@riggsavp]

I love these, as a beginner in film making I have benefited from the information in many of your videos and they make me want to film even more! Please continue to create content going over story structure or anything to do with the writing process. That is what I lack in most for my videos.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@alan-clark]

Great video. Would love more videos on poetic devices used in cinema.

[@StudioBinder]

We'll take suggestions!

[@alan-clark]

@@StudioBinder I saw you'd mentioned you'll be working on a methaphor/allegory one. Love that! I think also Anaphora can be effective in film, synecdoche, repition (of a number of things, but also of musical themes). Also foreshadowing effectively would be an interesting subject. I'd also love a video on different forms of story such as coming of age, for example Friday Night Lights, City of God and how they differ from other coming of age stories. As well how they differ structurally to character studies, or heros journeys. Kind of a lot of suggestions, but you do so many awesome videos, would love to see some of these concepts discussed!

[@CarletonTorpin]

15:02 - I detect a subtle J-Cut on this edit. Thanks for always broadening my knowledge horizon, StudioBinder. :)

[@StudioBinder]

You're a fast learner!

[@dmfuerte]

Thanks! This video made my day. Also it's funny how people won't let Alanis forget her song is not actually irony. She should have watched this video!

[@StudioBinder]

🤣

[@BogeyTheBear]

The irony is that the song intends to illustrate irony, but mistakes it for simple misfortune instead.

[@mariatraci6171]

Thanks for your work guys, keep it up😉

[@StudioBinder]

Will keep it up!

[@MoviesRemastered]

Your videos are amazing!! Congrats on the 1M subs.

[@thepolloelectrico1117]

Brilliant choice to almost end the video with a song whose irony nobody gets. Lovefool.

[@burbex]

The ironic thing about the song "Ironic" is that Alanis does not know what ironic means, which is why Kevin Smith is being ironic in Dogma, when he casts her as God.

[@StudioBinder]

👏💯

[@joshua43214]

The extra layer of irony is that her voice kills all who hear it :)

[@parthshah5584]

It's the song that plays at the end of this video: for those who don't know. I laughed out loud when I found out.

[@JRCSalter]

Alanis is perfectly aware of what ironic means.

[@joshua43214]

@@JRCSalter Well, she certainly is now...

[@thesocialartsclub9095]

Finally! After years of confusion....now after watching this...I can say that I am still confused.

[@marcelloblanco5459]

Awesome video!

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@bossgbini]

This is so amazing!!!

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@victoriamuedano860]

Hello, I teach Freshman and they loved this video.... shoutout to all the teachers who are hustling at Heritage High School.... Freshman ROCK especially period 2!

[@resevoirdog]

You've made my favorite channel on KZbin:)

[@SheegogProductions]

100 points to StudioBinder for having one of my all-time favorite strings quartets in the intro! (Ravel String Quartet, 2nd movement)

[@Hariesh600]

Hi Studio Binder. Could you please teach about story telling. Total story telling. Visual story telling.

[@StudioBinder]

Could you clarify?

[@shunyaku7759]

"The use of words expressing something other than their literal intentions. Now THAT. IS. Irony!"

[@safi6749]

Ah Yes Irony When the Movie has too much Iron in it

[@Ater_Ovis_Studios]

The Iron man films were probably the most ironic films to be made.

[@raywinny]

@@Ater_Ovis_Studios LMFAO

[@StudioBinder]

Transformers, the mecca of irony

[@michelled.613]

Isn’t it ironic that a song about irony contains samples of irony that aren’t ironic? 🤔 Love your videos! 😉

[@metacinema4466]

Love it this episode! From Italy, thank you guys!

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers from California!

[@TwistedTriggerEnduro]

Another amazing video. Gonna shoot past that 1MM sub mark fast!!

[@StudioBinder]

All aboard!

[@debajyotimajumder2656]

Loved this!!

[@StudioBinder]

Great!

[@Ignirium]

OH! "The Gift of the Magi" Now i get the Zoidberg joke! tyvm! I had no idea there was a story it took it from

[@rekuzaaan]

3:13 Peak irony. Unbeatable.

[@JRMilward]

Terrific videos. How does the ending of 1999's The Mummy fit into this definition? The heroes ride off into the sunset content with the idea that the city's treasure has been lost beneath the sands, but we the audience get a last-minute reveal of precious relics stowed away in the camel's saddlebags that the characters haven't noticed (and won't notice until they're off camera but before the start of the sequel). The "we know something the characters don't" would seem to fit this into Dramatic Irony; however, it's not tragic, but triumphant - a win they didn't see coming.

[@eliyawaters9075]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now I have a name for what it is when we are waiting for a character to realize something! ❤❤❤

[@animemusic8]

That "SPOILER ALERT" was SO FUNNY! Hahahahaah

[@Damacles9]

Studiobinder hits another home run!

[@vijaykumarsvk1694]

Thank you SB..! :)

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheOneWithTheManyZs]

I can't believe you passed up the chance to include Palpatine's iconic "ironic" quote :D

[@bollywoodfightactionreacti9189]

Nice knowledge Film making

[@StudioBinder]

Hope it helps :)

[@kelvinkagambo7527]

I think I need a re-watch to understand this topic.

[@StudioBinder]

Do as many as you need :)

[@butcherff1137]

i love when u say "this is what is"

[@JRCSalter]

The irony of giving a spoiler alert for a film that spoils that very moment in the opening minutes.

[@georgeofhamilton]

I feel like the different forms of irony are so distinct that it’s not really worthwhile analyzing them all under the umbrella category of irony.

[@saberlatifi3030]

dear Friends, thank you so much for your efforts! this channel is just amazing!

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you're enjoying it!

[@mahii_mahee]

8:28 you got me LMAO

[@nefwaenre]

What's the difference between Cosmic irony and deux ex machina? Also, Cedric's Death, Jack's death, Jacks death AGAIN but this time as Romeo, are all examples of painful memories, more than irony..

[@StudioBinder]

Deus ex machina is specifically about an issue being resolved by cosmic forces; cosmic irony is any expectation being subverted because of cosmic forces

[@Saxtalk.]

I saw what you did there. That Hot Fuzz reference was supreme

[@lunda2222]

The dramatic irony in Jaws 3 at 9:16 is that you are watching Jaws 3.

[@StudioBinder]

😆

[@eroshan]

Considering all the alert free spoilers that Ive seen on this channel, was putting an alert on Rome and Juliet of all movies a demonstration of irony?

[@StudioBinder]

Maybe 👀

[@willtobias5280]

More please, excellent stuff!

[@StudioBinder]

More coming!

[@brianyule1289]

I would say that irony is not necessary the opposite, but something which is in tension with.

[@JeighNeither]

You could ad "Meta-irony" for example your "spoiler alert" 👍🏽

[@StudioBinder]

We've created a new type 👍

[@darlingtonojobo5061]

It’s how “spoiler alert” played an irony for Romeo and Juliet.

[@StudioBinder]

Going meta

[@minnieshoof]

I do enjoy the video, but I have a few small thoughts I’d wanna pick someone’s brain on: The way I always thought about the Wayne’s World scene is that it was meta humor. Wayne, the character, was not filming at the time so he was not actively engaging in verbal irony as he wasn’t promoting brands for his show while saying he would not. The character, to me, was wholly unaware that he was hawking products at the time. So does that then become situational irony?

[@stevie.delrosario]

thanks for this video. please make more. namaste