1. ARISTOTLE ON TRAGEDY

2. PLOT
The plot must be complete: it has a definite beginning, middle, and end.
It must have a central theme, logical organization, and be probable.
Without a good plot, a tragedy loses coherence and impact.

3. CHARACTER
The main character must be good, believable, and consistent. Nobody wants to cheer for a villain or a flake.
The main character is usually a person of elevated status: rich, noble, and/or well- respected.

4. “FALL FROM GRACE”
The tragedy involves the ultimate destruction of the main character.
This destruction is caused by a fatal flaw, or HAMARTIA, in the person’s character. This flaw is brought on by error or frailty, not by a vice or moral depravity.
Often the fatal flaw is HUBRIS, or an overinflated sense of pride or self-confidence on the part of the main character.

5. ACTION
Tragedy is presented as an action story, not as a narrative.

6. CATHARSIS
CATHARSIS is the emotional release of the feelings of pity and fear aroused by drama, usually bringing about a cleansing or uplifting feeling in the viewer.
This emotional purge is brought on by viewing the disastrous and moving change in the fortunes of the main character.
The audience should fear the possible tragic outcomes of the drama in their own lives, and at the same time sympathize with the fallen hero.

7. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRAGIC HERO
Belief in his/her own freedom: the hero makes choices when faced with dilemmas, and he/she has the faith and courage to accept the outcome of his/her choices.
Supreme pride: this seems a reflection of arrogance and conceit. The tragic hero often seems to think he/she is better than the average person and on a level with the gods. This pride gives the tragic hero a unique power and dignity.

8. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRAGIC HERO
Capacity for suffering: The hero suffers because he/she believes in what he/she is doing, and because he feels both guilt and guiltlessness at the same time. The tragic hero has the strength to endure the pain inflicted on him/her, and isn’t afraid of death.

9. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRAGIC HERO
A sense of commitment: once the forces of the conflict are set in motion, the hero is committed to see them followed through to their conclusion. The hero could stop the movement by a change in decision, but his dedication leads him to let the process follow its chose direction.

10. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRAGIC HERO
Vigorous protest: the tragic hero doesn’t accept his/her fate meekly. He cries out against the gods, against his own weaknesses, against the world, against the forces that placed him in jeopardy.

11. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRAGIC HERO
Transfiguration: the suffering of the tragic hero refines him. He learns from the ordeals faced, and begins to see more clearly his place in the universe and the greatness that is human potential. The tragic hero becomes a more wise and humane individual, and his death isn’t in vain because he leaves a memory of glory.

12. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRAGIC HERO
Impact: the trials of the tragic hero help to develop understanding of the human condition—why is there pain and suffering? What is this life all about? How do I deal with the misfortunes in my life gracefully?