2. Tragedy in Shakespeare’s Othello

3. Characteristics of Shakespearean Tragedies Include a central hero Develop some sort of conflict (perhaps involving ambition, revenge, or family strife) Unfold the drastic consequences of choices that lead to suffering and loss, often culminating in death

4. Aristotle’s Definition of Tragedy Greek philosopher (300 B.C.) who was influential among Renaissance dramatists and literary critics A tragedy is characterized by a dramatic structure which: 1) identifies plot as the most important element 2) describes the central character as one who is neither wholly good nor wholly evil and whose downfall results from an error in judgment

5. Aristotle (cont.) 3) suggests that the hero eventually realizes his error and its consequences when it is too late to change 4) indicates that the audience responds with a combination of fear and pity to a story about a character who elicits their sympathy