Wreak Havoc in Your Characters: How?
Unfortunately, there’s no magical solution like how we could just press a button which says ‘inserting tragic irony here’ into my story, but I do have ten pieces of advice to share that might help.
1. Understand your characters – Irony often stems from characters’ actions, decisions, or flaws. Understanding your characters deeply—their motivations, desires, and fears—allows you to craft situations where their choices lead to ironic outcomes.
Consider this, a detective was looking for the murder of a certain case, that is his motivation, his action, but what is his fear? What if along the way that he found clues that all point to himself as the murderer. As a policeman/detective, to realize that he was the one orchestrating this murder.
Utilizing that fear is a good way to exploit it.
A barber who is afraid of using the scissors, an architect who can’t draw straight line (he/she manage so far because of modern technology), a doctor who can’t empathized with his/her patients, etc.
2. Exploit flaws – More often than not, it’s some sort of character flaw that leads someone into a tragically ironic situation. A character’s hubris, naivety, or overconfidence can set the stage for an ironic twist that can seem inevitable while still being surprising. A chef was very confident in their palette and was said to be pull under rug by that specific skill (can’t taste anything during a competition).
3. Plan for irony from the start – When plotting your story, think about how ironic situations can arise naturally from the characters’ journeys. Planning for irony from the outset makes it feel integrated into the story rather than something forced in there. Like the example I mentioned in the Lonely Castle of the Mirror, the objective was hidden in plain sight, and was introduced in the beginning of the story.
4. Use dual meanings – Design scenes that can be interpreted in multiple ways. Yes, your character is happy for now, but their actions will ultimately bring them some unwanted long term consequences. For example, Michael, a famous mukbang influencer was invited to a exclusive French dining at a mysterious island. He accepted the invitation and went, excited and happy, but realized how everything was very strange, the staff who was serving, the hosts, the other guests (which serves as hints and foreshadowing).
5. Hint at future events – Use foreshadowing to hint at ironic twists without giving them away. A light touch keeps the readers engaged, trying to piece together the clues (as per the example for above – host, staff, guests behaviour. Plot/drop/sprinkle them in chapters) without spoiling the surprise. Tragic irony isn’t nearly as effective if the reader figures it out in the first act.
6. Use symbolism and metaphors – Symbols and metaphors serve as subtle guides, paving the way for ironic outcomes in your narrative. Opt for symbols that harmonize with the overarching theme or moral of your story, intensifying the impact of tragic irony.
Using previous example, food was a general theme, add a twists to it, a lucky fork that Michael always uses suddenly changed in colour, from a silver to black (due to poison) and also signify his fate to this island. Use words like, ‘It’ was the Last Supper’, to show that the murderer was among them/a betrayal.
7. Avoid heavy-handedness – Avoid subjecting your readers to a heavy-handed narrative device, especially when it comes to reading. The crucial element for effective irony lies in subtlety. Aim to let your readers experience the satisfaction of connecting the dots on their own, steering clear of explicit explanations of the ironic twist. Go back to the basic, show, don’t tell.
8. Let readers in… a little – Strike a balance between subtlety and reader engagement. While avoiding excessive obviousness, consider allowing your readers a glimpse of the irony just moments before it fully unfolds. This strategic revelation enhances their investment in the story, creating a sense of anticipation and involvement.
9. Make sure irony serves the story – Ensure that every instance of irony serves a meaningful purpose within your narrative. Whether it’s used to underscore a central theme, deepen character development, or enrich the plot. Irony should contribute to the overall coherence and impact of your story.
Avoid employing irony merely for its own sake, as gratuitous or misplaced instances can disrupt the narrative flow and compromise the intended impact.
10. Use irony to enhance your themes – Tragic irony, especially, holds the potential to intricately connect with the overarching themes of your narrative.
I do suggest to try incorporating tragic irony into your stories. On a note though, all this needs a little bit more planning. You cannot wing it unless everything already set up in your mind, and all you have to do is write it out. So, my fellow pansters, to ‘insert irony here’ you gotta plan ahead, no need elaborate planning, just points/bullets forms will do.
Hope it helps, glad to be on this learning journey with you!
Happy writing.
