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In on a secret? That’s dramatic irony - Christopher Warner

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TEDEd Animation

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You’re in a movie theater, watching the new horror flick. The audience knows something that the main character does not. The audience sees the character's actions are not in his best interest. What's that feeling -- the one that makes you want to shout at the screen? Christopher Warner identifies this storytelling device as dramatic irony.

In a horror movie, suspense is often built by the use of music. The viewers often know that something is going to happen because of the music that they can hear -- and, of course, the characters cannot hear this music. What are other devices that writers or filmmakers may use to build tension (AKA dramatic irony)?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Animator Ben Pearce
  • Educator Christopher Warner
  • Narrator Christopher Warner

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