Dramatic irony is a literary device where the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do. This creates tension and engagement, as viewers anticipate how characters will react when they discover the truth. For example, in Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows that Juliet is not truly dead, while Romeo believes she is, leading to tragic consequences. This technique is commonly used in various forms of storytelling, including theater, film, and literature. It enhances the emotional impact of a narrative, allowing the audience to feel a mix of suspense and empathy for the characters involved.