What does "irony" mean in literature?

Irony in literature refers to a contrast between expectation and reality, capturing the essence of situations where things are not as they seem. This technique often creates moments that are surprising, engaging, or thought-provoking, as it highlights discrepancies between what characters or readers expect to happen and what actually occurs. For example, a character may work hard to avoid a specific outcome, only to inadvertently cause it, showcasing a form of situational irony.

The other options touch on different literary concepts but do not accurately define irony. Techniques used to create suspense focus on narrative tension, similarities between characters pertain to character development or themes, and moral lessons relate to the overarching messages or themes within a story. These concepts, while significant in their own right, do not encompass the unique nature of irony.