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Elements of Shakespeare's Tragedies

Author: Camren Crose

Elements of a Tragedy

Elements of a Shakespearean Play


Tragic Hero: A main character cursed by fate and possessed of a tragic flaw.

A Struggle Between Good and Evil: This struggle can take place as part of the plot or exist within the main character.

Hamartia: The fatal character flaw of the tragic hero.

Tragic Waste: The good being destroyed along with the bad at the resolution of the play. Often played out with the unnecessary loss of life, especially of "good guy" characters.

External Conflict: This can be a problem facing the hero as a result of the plot or a "bad guy" character.

Internal Conflict: The struggle the hero engages in with his/her fatal flaw.

Catharsis: The release of the audience's emotions through empathy with the characters.

Supernatural Elements: Magic, witchcraft, ghosts, etc.

Lack of Poetic Justice: Things end poorly for everyone, including the "good guys."

Comic Relief: One or more humorous characters who participate in scenes intended to lighten the mood.

Big Question: How is "Romeo and Juliet" an example of a Shakespearean tragedy? Choose and discuss three elements that make "Romeo and Juliet" a tragedy.