1. Greek Tragedy General definition of tragedy - a drama, movie or sometimes a real world event with a sad outcome.

2. Greek Tragedy In literature, tragedy follows the precepts set out by Aristotle: it is a form of drama characterized by seriousness and dignity, usually involving a conflict between a character and some higher power, such as the law, the gods, fate, or society.

3. Greek Tragedy TRAGIC HERO The tragic hero is the protagonist in a tragedy. He must be noble of birth and noble in nature.

4. Greek Tragedy TRAGIC HERO He is a character of great influence, a mover and a shaker in a large scale.

5. Greek Tragedy TRAGIC HERO and his TRAGIC FLAW He is a near-perfect character, but he suffers from some character flaw. Even his flaw, though, is an excess of goodness. For example, Othello, the tragic hero of Shakespeare’s play, is overly loving, and this flaw causes his downfall.

6. Greek Tragedy TRAGIC HERO and his TRAGIC FLAW The tragic hero must suffer a severe loss as a result of actions associated with his tragic flaw.

7. Greek Tragedy TRAGIC HERO and his EPIPHANY A tragic hero must experience an epiphany, or a sudden realization, when he is aware of the fact that he caused his own downfall because of his tragic flaw. This is called the “moment of tragic recognition.”

8. Greek Tragedy AUDIENCE’S CATHARSIS When the tragic hero experiences his epiphany and thus suffers a severe fall in station, the audience should (ideally) experience an outpouring of emotion called a catharsis-- a combination of pity and fear.

9. Greek Tragedy ROLE OF THE CHORUS Generally represents the population of the play and is used to indicate how citizens might react to the drama. The chorus might also provide background information, comments on the story, or insights that other characters might not have.