Varieties of Drama

1. Varieties of Drama Tragedy

2. Tragedy • Defined as a play in which the protagonist fails to achieve desiredgoals or is overcome by opposing forces. • Considered humanity’s highest literary achievement. • Tragedies are thoughtful plays based on profound human emotions and conflicts

3. Tragedy • The focus of a tragedy is the struggle of the tragic character. • Conflicts may be either internal or external. • There is nothing the tragic character can do to avoid a tragic outcome.

4. Tragedy • Internal conflicts are against forces within the protagonist. • These forces could be virtues, such as a sense of duty, or weaknesses, such as too much pride.

5. Tragedy • External conflicts are against forces outside of the protagonist. • These forces may be divine or human authority, or the pressures of society.

6. Tragic Characters • There are five basic characteristics often found in tragic characters: - Have a flaw or make an error that has serious consequences- Make no apology for their actions- Set goals based on unyielding beliefs- Know almost everything worth having demands sacrifice- Willing to make the sacrifice themselves instead of asking others

7. The Audience and Tragedy • The protagonist’s struggle often elicits the audience’s pity and compassion. • The quality of drama that arouses these feelings is called pathos. • The audience’s emotions intensify the impact of the events leading up to the outcome for the tragic character.

8. The Audience and Tragedy • By the end of the play, pathos has been purged, and the audience feels catharsis, or a sense of release. • Tragedy is based on the strong emotions understood by all people, regardless of time or circumstances.