1. The names we give to different kinds of stories.
Genre
The names we give to different kinds of stories.
Types
Comedy
Romance
Adventure
Tragedy

2. Tragedy Elements and themes of tragedy
Protagonist-the main character in the story
Family
Time (past, present, future)
Plot
Choices, actions, & fate
Audience

3. “ Plot is the soul of tragedy” Aristotle
Tragic stories and plot usually come from history
A heroic, privileged, or respected person begins to suffer from loss and destruction
A character’s choices or history determine future events that cannot be avoided
end in sadness and often death
“Against our will comes wisdom, by the grace of God” Sophocles
“We learn by suffering” = apathomathos in Greek

4. Family Protagonist is deeply connected to their family “Family Curse”
- family ties and history limit the protagonist’s choices.
- a protagonist is fated to their future
Like the Capulets and Montagues
How did the family feud fate Romeo and Juliet ?

5. Time Eternal time and Present time
Present time is made up of history, and future
-things that happened in the past
-choices made today, consequences tomorrow
Tragic time is unstoppable, irreversible, too short

6. Choices, Actions and Fate
Protagonist often doesn’t understand the choices they make.
They suffer from the consequences of their choices, make involuntary mistakes. (Gr. Hamartia)
- choosing the right thing, but it turns out bad.
- unintended consequences
Conflict between individual choice and fate

7. Audience Knows more than the characters Has a long view of time
Cannot easily tell who is good or bad.
-due to hamartia
Often connects with the protagonists decisions and suffering.
A good tragedy often leads to “catharsis”, amazement and wonder at life, and even happier.