Elements of Satire, Comedy, Tragedy

satire

a genre of writing that criticizes or ridicules in order to expose human folly or bring about change. It has a definite target and uses wit or humor in order to make a point

incongruity

a special type of situational irony that emphasizes things that are out of place or are absurd in relation to their surroundings

reversal

a special type of situational irony that inverts the usual order of things (typically, social and power relationships)

sarcasm

a special type of verbal irony-saying the opposite of what is meant in order to mock

hyperbole

exaggerating something beyond normal bounds so that it becomes ridiculous and its faults can be seen

understatement

making something out to to be smaller or less important than it actually is

parody

imitating the style or actions of some person, place, or situation in order to make a point about the subject being imitated

paradox

creating a statement or situation which contradicts itself (again, in order to point out some absurdity)

tragedy

a storytelling form which shows us how the main character or characters meet their fated death, either because of their own choices, their circumstances, or both

comedy

a storytelling form which comments on social roles and expectations by placing characters in exaggerated or absurd situations

comedy of manners

a witty story which satirizes the manners and affectations of contemporary society

affectation (noun)

a mannerism or behavior meant to impress others or create a certain impression

affected (adjective)

behaving in a way that is not natural to you just to create a particular impression