3.  Dramatic narrative in which serious and important actions turn out disastrously for the protagonist or tragic hero

4.  1. Is of great importance to his state or culture a. Is of noble birth or high social station b. Or important leader in his/hersociety

5.  Moral health of society is identified with hero  Hero’s story is also that of his state

6.  Not thoroughly good or evil  But they are better or greater than the rest of us: a) Moral worth b) Social significance.

7.  Disastrous change of fortune  Reversal of events Either of the above throw hero from heights of happiness to the depths of misery.

8.  Might be a flaw in character  Error in judgment  Or pre-ordained fate

9.  Arrogant pride may cause hero to disregard divine law, moral code, or fate.

10.  Of the truth of his situation  Or of his identity

11.  Because hero is not an evil person his misfortune is greater than he deserves  Hero’s story moves us to fear or terror  We identify our own fallibilities and errors in judgment

12.  These feelings of fear and pity are purged or purified through catharsis.  Tragedy leaves audience feeling not depressed, but relieved and sometimes elevated.