Tragedy is a genre of literature, drama, and art that primarily deals with serious themes and events, often involving the downfall of a heroic or noble character. It traditionally evokes emotions of pity and fear in the audience, leading to catharsis—a purging or cleansing of these emotions. Tragedies often explore complex themes such as fate, suffering, moral dilemmas, and the human condition.

In classical terms, a tragedy typically follows a specific structure, including an exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. The protagonist is often faced with insurmountable obstacles, leading to their demise or a significant loss, which underscores the inherent vulnerabilities of human existence.

Tragedy has roots in ancient Greek theater, exemplified by playwrights like Aristotle, who defined it in his work “Poetics,” noting that it should involve a highborn character who experiences a reversal of fortune due to a tragic flaw (hamartia). Over time, the concept of tragedy has evolved and can be found in various forms across cultures, including literature, film, and other artistic expressions.