How does dramatic irony differ from situational irony?

Dramatic irony is a specific type of irony that occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not, creating a layer of tension or humor in the narrative. This knowledge can lead to anticipation or anxiety regarding how the characters will react once they realize the truth.

In contrast, situational irony revolves around unexpected outcomes or events that are contrary to what one might anticipate. It does not necessarily require the audience to have prior knowledge that the characters lack; it simply focuses on the difference between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs.

Thus, the correct answer highlights the fundamental distinction between the two forms of irony: dramatic irony engages the audience's awareness in relation to the characters, while situational irony showcases unexpected twists without necessarily depending on audience knowledge. This clear distinction is what makes option C the accurate choice.