Storytellers have been using literary allusion for thousands of years – Sophocles, for example, used Greek mythological allusion in Antigone way back in 441 BC. But while the device is a crucial element of literature and drama, it’s not always easy to recognize types of allusion or understand how they are used. Exactly what is… Continue reading What is an Allusion? Definition and Examples for Screenwriters
Two is always better than one when it comes to Juxtaposition. Other than being the game-winning word in your next Scrabble match, what is juxtaposition? It is a frequently used term throughout the artistic world from photography to literature to film. Despite its frequent use, its meaning can be quite vague. We’ll define juxtaposition with… Continue reading What is Juxtaposition in Film? Definition and Examples
No matter what you write, it’s agreed that metaphors are an important literary device. But, what is a metaphor? What does metaphor mean? In this article, we’ll explore this question and answer how this literary device can enhance your screenwriting. We’ll cover this concept and catalog the ways in which you can use metaphors to… Continue reading What is a Metaphor? Definition and Examples in Literature and Film
⌂ Types OF IronyVerbal IronySituational IronyDramatic Irony The future is unwritten — at least that’s what they say — but the past is very much written. From a present-day perspective, we can learn about what was done and whether or not it worked. In storytelling, historical irony gives your characters perspective. It is a very… Continue reading What is Historical Irony? Definition and Examples for Screenwriters
⌂ Types OF IronyVerbal IronySituational IronyDramatic Irony Dramatic irony requires time to work effectively. And, in the best examples, dramatic irony unfolds over the course of minutes, an hour, or even the entire film. Similar to a three-act structure, there are stages to how it works. What are the stages of dramatic irony? We’ll answer… Continue reading What Are The Stages of Dramatic Irony? Examples for Screenwriters
⌂ Types OF IronyVerbal IronySituational IronyDramatic Irony Socratic irony is one of the more manipulative types of irony. It’s a tricky way to get information out of someone that can be used against them later. This type of irony is perfect for courtroom scenes but can applied in any sort of verbal confrontation. Let’s define… Continue reading What is Socratic Irony? Definition and Examples for Screenwriters
What is subtext? The age-old adage says that subtext is what’s inferred by reading between the lines, but how do we know what to look for? In this article, we’re going to define what subtext is, then look at some strong examples from screenplays. By the end, you’ll be ready to apply subtext into your… Continue reading What is Subtext? How to Use Subtext in Screenwriting
⌂ Types OF IronyVerbal IronySituational IronyDramatic Irony Dramatic irony gives the audience more information than the character. It is a powerful type of irony built for suspense, but, in many cases things turn out OK in the end. That’s not the case with tragic irony — as the name suggests, things don’t turn out OK… Continue reading What is Tragic Irony? Definition and Examples for Screenwriters
⌂ Types OF IronyVerbal IronySituational IronyDramatic Irony Structural irony is born when the characters are completely unaware of the situation they are in. Often, this is due to their lack of intelligence or ignorance. Either way, this subtype of situational irony is a foolproof recipe for comedy but it also works in drama as well.… Continue reading What is Structural Irony? Definition and Examples for Screenwriters
⌂ Types OF IronyVerbal IronySituational IronyDramatic Irony Verbal irony is the most common type of irony because it’s tied directly to language – which we use every day. But what is verbal irony exactly and what are its different subtypes? We’re going to answer those questions by exploring how verbal irony can add depth and… Continue reading What is Verbal Irony? Definition and Examples for Screenwriters
⌂ Types OF IronyVerbal IronySituational IronyDramatic Irony There are many types of irony out there. Within the main branch of situational irony lies a version with a supernatural twist⏤cosmic irony. The main thrust of this series is getting writers to embrace irony as a tool that will add a level of depth and nuance to… Continue reading What is Cosmic Irony? Definition and Examples For Screenwriters
⌂ Types OF IronyVerbal IronySituational IronyDramatic Irony Sometimes you just can’t find the words to express how you feel. To match the depth or intensity of what you’re trying to communicate, you need something like overstatement. As one of the subtypes of verbal irony, overstatement allows the speaker to communicate in hyperbole to get their… Continue reading What is Overstatement? Definition and Examples for Screenwriters
A plot is a crucial element for any story, and I challenge you to think of a great film or book that has a mediocre plot. But plot often seems to get confused or conflated with the characters, setting, and theme. In this post, we’re going to define plot, explain why it’s important, and then… Continue reading What Is a Plot? Types of Plot, Definitions, and Examples
We all know that conflict is needed to keep viewers engaged, to create an emotional response, and to ultimately, push the story forward. Without conflict in a story, the film, show, or novel, may seem a bit, well, boring. It’s also true that conflict can be defined by all of the “types” that exist —… Continue reading What is Conflict in a Story? A Quick Reminder of the Purpose of Conflict
⌂ Types OF IronyVerbal IronySituational IronyDramatic Irony Dramatic irony is one of the three main types of irony. Like verbal and situational irony, dramatic irony is an integral element of storytelling. The power a writer or director can yield with a firm grasp of dramatic irony is huge. But what is dramatic irony and how… Continue reading What is Dramatic Irony? Definition and Examples for Screenwriters
⌂ Types OF IronyVerbal IronySituational IronyDramatic Irony Situational irony is a broad term with near-endless applications. At a fundamental level, every story has some aspect of situational irony – which means that it’s a key component of storytelling. But what is situational irony? We’re going to define situational irony by looking at situational irony examples… Continue reading What is Situational Irony? Definition and Examples
