Irony occurs when a reader predicts what will happen in a story, then the story takes a turn and the complete opposite of the prediction occurs. Authors use ironic situations in stories to retain their reader's interest and keep the readers wondering what will happen next. Guy de Manpassant who wrote "The Necklace" and Kate Chopin who wrote "The Story of an Hour" both use their main character to develop types of irony that twist the story in a way to insure the attention of the reader.
             In "The Necklace" by Guy de Manpassant, Mathilde is the protagonist, a central character in a literary work. Her character is round, one who is portrayed in greater depth or detail, but static, one that does not change significantly or at all throughout the story. Throughout "The Necklace" Mathilde remains selfish and unhappy.
             Additionally, in "The Necklace" Mathilde is described as "one of those pretty and charming girls" who is married to a poor "little clerk." She dresses "plainly" and does not get out much (177). Mathilde dreams of being part of the higher class in society, and she suffers endlessly from her lower class lifestyle. She does not accept the fact that she is of the lower class. Things bother her that "other women of her rank" would never even be aware (178). Mathilde's husband, Loisel, loves her deeply, and he puts forth his total effort to please her. The passion Loisel feels for Mathilde is ironic, because she loves her social appearance and rank more than she loves her own husband.
             Further, in "The Necklace" Mathilde loses a beautiful diamond necklace in which she borrowed from a friend, Mme. Forestier (181). She borrowed the necklace to impress others at a ball her and her husband attended. Loisel and Mathilde borrow enough money to buy a new necklace exactly as the original one to return to her friend....