The discrepancy between appearance and reality This is what gives a piece of literary irony. Irony can also be given by different types of language or by the behavior of the characters in the story. Irony can be expressed directly through words or indirectly through actions. For example, when someone says "I'm serious!" but laughs, they are using indirect language to express humor. Serious matters should not be joked about! Another example of irony in literature is when a character does something that seems wrong but later turns out to be right. In Shakespeare's Hamlet, it looks like King Claudius murdered his father, the king, but really he was killed by his brother, Laertes. At first glance, this action would seem absurd because kings do not kill each other, even if they are family members. But later we find out that it is actually true in this case. Still another example is when someone claims to love you but really hates you. This could be someone who says they want you to live happily ever after them but really wants you to get sick or have an accident so you will need them. The person who says they love you but really hates you is called a "jealous" person.