IRONY
Getting hit by an ambulance.
COMEDIC IRONY
Stepping over an open manhole cover, then getting hit by an ambulance.
The difference?
Intent.
In trying to achieve one thing, a character achieves the exact opposite.
MICHAEL SCOTT
What does Michael Scott want more than anything in the world? To be loved/respected/adored by his employees. Is he? Not usually.
The fun comes from watching him try to gain this respect, and in his attempt to do so, become less respected. He achieves the exact opposite of his intent. And we love that.
APPLICATION
Figure out what your character wants. Make them do something about it. They should actively seek to achieve this want. Then make sure that their choices and actions get them further from that goal than when they started. Think Wile E. Coyote.
