Irony is a literary device where the intended meaning is different from the actual meaning. It often involves a contrast between expectations and reality.

The three main types of irony are verbal irony, situational irony, and dramatic irony.

Verbal irony occurs when a speaker says one thing but means another, often the opposite. It is often used for sarcasm.

A person looking at a messy room and saying, 'Wow, this place is spotless!'

Situational irony occurs when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually happens.

A fire station burns down.

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not, creating tension or humor.