Classical tragedy

A classical tragedy is a serious drama in which a the protagonist or hero meets with disaster either due to personal flaws or circumstance.

Tragedy originated in ancient Greece. It was influenced by other genres but originated in the works of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Thespis traditionally was the first person to represent a character rather than speaking as himself in a play in 534 BC . Choerilus, wrote approximatley one hundred and sixty tragedies. Pratinas of Philus author of fifty works. Their titles are their only real record., satyr plays were presented alongside tragedies at this time.

Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and scientist born circa 384 B.C. He enrolled in Plato's academy at the age of 17 and was taught by Plato. He went on to teach Alexander The Great. His work became basis for western education. He tried to define the way tragedy works as a genre.
Poetics was written by Aristotle in 335 BC. The aim of tragedy, Aristotle writes, is to bring about a "catharsis" of the spectator and to  make them feel sensations of pity and fear, and to purge them of these emotions so that they leave the theater feeling cleansed, with a heightened understanding of  gods and men.

6 components of tragedy according to Aristotle.  1) Plot2) Character 3) Diction - the actual words spoken by the characters.
4)Reasoning - case being staged and opinions being expressed by characters.
5)Spectacle
6) Lyric Poetry (personal response to experience presented on stage)
Aristotle thought tragedies should purge pity and fear - an emotional release.
Aristotle thought can not be either all good or all bad they must be someone who the audience can relate too. Heros are usually the protagonists in tragedies the disastrous result that makes it a tragedy is usually bought about because of the tragic hero making a mistake bought on by a flaw in their character this often also results in their death.

Elements/ingredients of Classical tradgedyHamartia: The tragic hero must make a mistake, the hero must also be someone the audience can identify with. Kings make good subject matter because in a human society they have the top position in society.A flaw in the heros character leads to them making a mistake that in some way leads to their death. 
Tragic Flaw: A flaw/trait that ultimately leads to the downfall of the character . It is often pride (hubris)
Hubris: Over confidence or pride. Which often leads to the hero ignoring significant warnings and breaking moral codes.
Peripeteia: a reversal of circumstances or turning point.
Anagnorisis: The moment in a play when a character makes a critical discovery.(recognition)
Catharisis: The purification of emotions.