Plot Structure of a Shakespearean Tragedy



Shakespearean Tragedy

 Definition:  A conflict which ends in tragedy.

 Elements of a Shakespearean Tragedy: 

• The hero is usually a person of noble birth, of a generally admirable character (i.e. a person who is looked up to by others).

• The hero to a large extent brings about his own downfall because of the tragic flaw in his character.  The hero is placed in a situation which his tragic flaw prevents him from overcoming.

• There is a conflict between the hero and other characters, and between the hero and himself.  The conflict involves others around him who are not directly involved in the original situation.

• The main source of the action which causes the suffering is plain moral evil.  The ultimate goal in the tragic world is a restoration of moral order – the triumph of good over evil; the tragedy cannot be resolved until evil is wiped out.

• Chance (often unlucky chance) plays the part of fate. The supernatural also often plays a part in advancing the plot.

• Abnormal conditions of mind are often present.

• The catastrophe of the tragedy must involve some kind of emotional purge or catharsis.  The emotional reaction of the audience to tragedy is one of pity and horror; there is always an impression of waste.

Plot Structure of a Shakespearean Tragedy

ACT I Exposition or Introduction

▪ Gives setting of time, place, atmosphere

▪ Tells background of the action

▪ Introduces the main characters

▪ Contains the INCITING INCIDENT / EXCITING FORCE (the moment the protagonist first starts to struggle with the main conflict)

ACT II Complication

▪ Rising action begins where the hero struggles with small problems that impede his actions but that still show the protagonist as capable of winning the conflict

▪ Introduces secondary characters, if necessary

▪ In some cases, introduces a secondary or sub-plot

ACT III Cimax

▪ Provides the turning point of the action from hope for the protagonist to an assured tragedy

▪ Anticipates the conclusion

▪ Includes the crisis, or the point at which we know which side will win

ACT IV Reversal

▪ Provides the decline of the hero

▪ Gives additional suggestions as to the nature of the conclusion

▪ Brings and end to the secondary plot, if present

ACT V Catastrophe

▪ Provides a conclusion logical in respect to the rest of the play

▪ Gives suggestions of the after effects and of how order is restored

▪ Leaves the audience satisfied that the various characters have been suitable rewarded or punished, as the case may be

▪ Includes the denouement, or the logical ending of the plot, which unties any knots, solves any difficulties, and which deals the final blow to the hero

▪ Is the high point of the action in terms of suspense and interest

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