Which characteristic best defines situational irony?

Situational irony is best defined by unexpected outcomes. This literary device occurs when there is a significant difference between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs. For example, a fire station burning down exemplifies situational irony because one would expect a fire station to be the safest place from fires, yet the opposite occurs. This twist of fate creates a surprising and often thought-provoking effect, highlighting the unpredictability of life and human experience. The essence of situational irony lies in the stark contrast between anticipation and reality, making unexpected outcomes the defining characteristic of this concept.