There are three main types of irony:
* Verbal irony: When a speaker says something that is the opposite of what they mean. This is often used for humorous effect. For example, "That was a brilliant idea!" said sarcastically after someone has made a terrible suggestion.
* Situational irony: When the outcome of a situation is the opposite of what is expected. For example, a fire station burning down.
* Dramatic irony: When the audience knows something that the characters in a story do not. This creates suspense and tension, as the audience waits for the characters to discover the truth. For example, in a horror movie, the audience sees the killer hiding in the closet, but the characters in the movie do not.
Irony is a powerful literary device that can be used to:
* Add humor to a story
* Create suspense and tension
* Highlight a character's flaws or weaknesses
* Make a social or political commentary
* Engage the reader on a deeper level
Irony can be subtle or obvious, and it can be used in a variety of ways. But regardless of how it is used, it is always intended to create a specific effect on the reader.