Ganymede
Of course, the clearest example of dramatic irony is Rosalind's disguise: as Ganymede, she is dressed as a boy who offers to help Orlando express his love for Rosalind. This was a common cross-dressing plot in Shakespeare's comedies, and early modern audiences would have likely known where it was heading as soon as Rosalind assumed her new identity.
Cuckoldry
As mentioned previously, male characters in As You Like It are preoccupied with the fear of becoming cuckolds – or men whose wives have been sexually unfaithful. Ironically, however, nobody in the play is actually a cuckold and none of the female characters express a desire for infidelity. In fact, the play ends with four marriages. Thus, the men's anxiety of women's infidelity is largely unfounded and likely a reflection of their deeper fears of female power and control.
Touchstone the Fool
Touchstone is an example of an ironic character because he is introduced as a "licensed fool" and indeed takes part in foolish antics throughout the play. He is also, however, the character who pokes fun at other characters' foolish behavior and speaks deep truths about human nature. This was a common trope in early modern English drama – the fool as the wisest character on the stage – but Touchstone's involvement among the other characters emphasizes how foolishness is simply a natural part of being human.
Oliver's Love
When Oliver explains to Orlando his love for the shepherdess Aliena (Celia in disguise), he expresses his willingness to marry her and take on all the consequences of that decision, including giving up his inheritance and living in relative poverty. Of course, Oliver has no idea that Aliena is actually the daughter of the Duke, but this moment showcases his major transformation after entering the Forest of Arden.
