tragedy (classical): Tragedy results when the protagonist, or tragic hero, casts aside prudent human behavior, creates a state of disorder, and reaps the consequences that then bring a return to order. In dramatic terms, the crisis leads to catastrophe, and then to the resolution. In the process, the audience is drawn into the tragic situation, feels pity and fear, and experiences a catharsis as these emotions are released with the resolution of the tragedy (Aristotle).
Greek terms of tragedy:
arete: excellence
hubris: excessive pride in oneself
hamartia: crime or sin
ate: blind recklessness, delusion
nemesis/dike: retributive justice
dissoi logoi: double speech, the conflicted nature of the world