Michel stealing from the woman (Dramatic & Situational Irony)
When he first arrives in Paris, Michel visits a woman he knows and asks her for money. When he asks for 5000 francs, she tells him she cannot give it to him, offering him 500 francs instead. Even though Michel refuses, when the woman turns away from him, he goes into her closet and steals the money. This is ironic in multiple ways. Firstly, it is an example of dramatic irony because it is a moment in which the viewer can see something the woman cannot. Secondly, it is an example of situational irony, where something happens contrary to our expectations, because Michel is stealing money that was plainly offered to him. While he cannot accept an offering, he has no qualms with stealing.
Inspectors asking after Michel (Dramatic Irony)
Once Michel arrives in Paris, the authorities are hot on his trail. They follow him to various places, including Tolmachov's office. Tolmachov tries to cover for Michel, but his secretary tells the police that Michel was there recently. The viewer sees this entire interaction, but Michel has no knowledge of it, which creates an instance of dramatic irony.
Patricia turning him in (Dramatic Irony)
The morning after Michel receives his money to leave town, it seems as though Patricia is on his side and wants to help him. However, when she goes out to run an errand on his behalf, she goes into a restaurant and uses the phone to call the authorities and turn Michel in. The viewer witnesses this very simple act of betrayal of which Michel has no knowledge, which heightens the tension of the film.
Michel's death (Situational Irony)
Michel's death is an ironic scenario on multiple levels. Firstly, it is ironic because it was his lover and confidante, Patricia, who turns him in—an unexpected betrayal. Secondly, it is ironic because it happens on the day that Michel intends to make his great escape to Rome, having finally procured the money from Antonio. Finally, his response to having been caught is ironic, in that at first he plans to face the cops with bravery and without a weapon, but once they arrive, he grabs the gun and makes a run for it. This confusing course of events is all the more tragic because it occurs on the day that Michel has a chance to make an escape.
