What are the characteristics of tragic fiction?

Tragic fiction often involves the downfall of the main character. It typically has a somber or melancholy tone. For example, in 'Romeo and Juliet', the two young lovers meet a tragic end, which is a common element in tragic fiction.

One key characteristic is the portrayal of harsh realities. It often shows the difficult and sometimes cruel aspects of life, like poverty, injustice, or social inequality. Another is complex characters. They are usually not simply good or bad but have a mix of qualities. Also, it has a sense of inevitability in the tragic events that occur, as if the characters are doomed by their circumstances.

One characteristic is the presence of star - crossed lovers. For example, in 'Romeo and Juliet', Romeo and Juliet are from feuding families, which is a typical setup in a tragic romance. Another is a sense of inevitability in the sad ending. It often feels like the characters are doomed from the start.

A tragic poem often contains elements of isolation. In many such poems, the protagonist is alone in their grief or struggle. In 'The Raven', the man is alone in his room with only the raven for company, and that raven only serves to increase his isolation. The language used is also often rich in imagery that conveys sadness. In 'Annabel Lee', the imagery of the sea - side tomb where Annabel Lee is buried is very evocative of loss and tragedy. And there can be a sense of the unfairness of life, which is a common thread in these types of poems, as we see in all of the above - mentioned works.

Classic tragic heroes in novels tend to be in a constant battle within themselves or against external forces. In 'Oedipus Rex', Oedipus is fated to kill his father and marry his mother. His attempts to avoid this fate, which is an external force, are in vain. He has pride, which is his flaw. This pride makes him not fully believe the prophecies until it's too late. Their downfall is not just a personal loss but also has a wider impact on the society or those around them.

A tragic realistic fiction novel is a type of literary work that presents a realistic story with elements of tragedy and hardship. It often shows the harsh realities of life and the struggles of characters.

They often involve strong emotions. The love between the characters is intense, but there are insurmountable obstacles like family differences, social status, or illness. For example, in 'Romeo and Juliet', the family feud is a huge barrier. Another characteristic is that they usually end with a sense of loss. The characters may lose each other, either through death or separation. In 'Wuthering Heights', Heathcliff and Catherine are torn apart by their own actions and the society around them.

One characteristic is intense emotions. The love in these books is often passionate, like a fire that burns brightly but also consumes. Another is a sense of inevitability. The tragic end seems fated, as if the lovers are powerless against the forces that drive them apart, whether it's society, family, or fate itself. For example, in 'Romeo and Juliet', their families' feud makes their love doomed from the start.

One characteristic is the use of gloomy or melancholic language. Words like 'dark', 'gloomy', 'dreary' are often found. For example, in 'The Raven', Poe uses words like 'midnight dreary' to set the sad mood right from the start. Another characteristic is the presence of loss. It could be the loss of a loved one, like in many elegies, or the loss of a way of life, like in some war - related poems. Also, a sense of hopelessness or despair is common. The narrator often feels that there is no way out of their sad situation, as in Hardy's 'The Darkling Thrush' where the narrator initially feels a deep sense of hopelessness about the world around him.

Often they involve some sort of external obstacle like family feud in Romeo and Juliet. This external force is so strong that it seems impossible for the lovers to be together.