Aspects of tragedy

Question 1

Tragic hero

Answer 1

Central character who is depicted as a noble figure experiences a tragic downfall.

Question 2

Hamartia

Answer 2

A fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine.

Question 3

Peripeteia

Answer 3

A sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances, especially in reference to fictional narrative.

Question 4

Hubris

Answer 4

Excessive pride or self confidence

Question 5

Anagnorisis

Answer 5

Point in the play in which a principal character recognises or discovers another character’s true identity or the true nature of their own circumstances.

Question 6

Pathos

Answer 6

A quality that evokes pity or sadness

Question 7

Catharsis

Answer 7

Process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, string or repressed emotions.

Question 8

Denouement

Answer 8

Final part of the play or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved.

Question 9

Fate

Answer 9

Be destined to happen

Question 10

Inevitable

Answer 10

Situation that is unavoidable

Question 11

Tragic villain

Answer 11

Usually an antagonist that does not truly intend to be a villain. Misled or not entirely in control of their feelings and/or actions.

Question 12

External Pressure

Answer 12

Someone persuading or forcing someone else to do something

Question 13

Machiavellian

Answer 13

cunning, scheming and unscrupulous

Using clever but dishonest methods that deceive people so that you can win power.

Question 14

Tragic Victim

Answer 14

Someone who died due to murder, manslaughter or a tragic accident outside of their influence.

Question 15

5 sections of tragedy

Answer 15

• Plot
• Character
• Thought
• Diction
• Song and spectacle