Which literary device refers to a situation where an event occurs that is unexpected for the audience or characters?

The literary device that refers to a situation where an event occurs that is unexpected for the audience or characters is irony. Irony often highlights the contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually happens, creating a surprising or thought-provoking moment in the narrative. This unexpected twist can evoke a range of emotions, from humor to sadness, depending on the context.

In literature, irony can manifest in various forms, such as verbal irony (where a character says one thing but means another), situational irony (where actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended), and dramatic irony (where the audience knows something that the characters do not). This effective use of irony can enhance a story's engagement, allowing for deeper exploration of themes and character motivations.

The other options represent different literary devices: personification gives human traits to non-human entities, foreshadowing provides hints about what will happen later in the story, and hyperbole involves exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally. Each serves a unique purpose but does not specifically capture the essence of an unexpected event occurring within a narrative.