The Tragic Hero MS. Hall Review

The rising action of a plot refers to the events and conflicts that build up the story and lead to the climax. In this case, "Y" represents the rising action because it is the next element in the sequence after "Z", "X", "W", and "V". It suggests that the events and conflicts are increasing in intensity, leading towards the climax of the plot.

Tragedy typically involves the downfall or ruin of the main characters. Tragic stories often focus on the suffering, loss, and misfortune experienced by the protagonists. This can include their emotional, moral, or physical destruction. Tragedies explore the darker aspects of human existence and often evoke feelings of pity and fear in the audience. The ruin of the leading characters is a key element in tragic narratives, highlighting the consequences of their actions or circumstances.

The climax or crisis of a plot is the point of highest tension or conflict in a story. It is the turning point where the protagonist faces a major obstacle or makes a critical decision. In a plot pyramid, the climax is typically represented as the peak or highest point, which is symbolized by the letter X in this case. This is where the story reaches its most intense and pivotal moment before gradually resolving towards the end.

Conflict is an essential element of plot. In a story, conflict refers to the struggle or problem that the protagonist faces. It drives the plot forward and creates tension and suspense. Conflict can take various forms, such as internal conflicts within a character or external conflicts between characters or forces. It is through the resolution of these conflicts that the plot develops and reaches its climax. Therefore, plot and conflict are closely intertwined, making plot the correct answer in this case.

The correct answer is "a story told through characters played by actors." A drama is a form of literature or performance that tells a story through the portrayal of characters by actors. It involves dialogue, actions, and emotions to convey the narrative and engage the audience. This definition captures the essence of what a drama is and distinguishes it from other options, such as a monologue or a comedy.

Peripeteia refers to a sudden reversal of fortune or fate experienced by the hero. It is a crucial element in storytelling, particularly in tragedies, where the protagonist's circumstances take an unexpected turn for the worse. This reversal often leads to a shift in the plot and brings about a change in the hero's situation, creating tension and conflict in the narrative.

A soliloquy is a speech in which a character is alone or believes he is alone on stage and expresses thoughts out. This means that the character is speaking their thoughts aloud, usually to themselves or to the audience, without any other characters present or aware of what they are saying. It is a way for the character to reveal their innermost thoughts, feelings, and motivations to the audience, providing insight into their character and driving the plot forward.

Hubris refers to a tragic flaw in a hero's character where they display excessive pride and arrogance. This leads them to disrespect the natural order and act in a way that goes against it. By thinking they are above the laws of nature, the hero often brings about their own downfall. This explanation aligns with the given answer choice that states "When the hero disrespects the natural order because of his or her own pride."

An Aside refers to words spoken by a character in a play, usually in an undertone or directly to the audience. It is a theatrical technique used to provide additional information or insight into a character's thoughts, feelings, or intentions. Asides allow the character to break the fourth wall and address the audience directly, without being heard by other characters on stage. This helps to create a sense of intimacy and involvement for the audience, as they are given privileged access to the character's inner thoughts.

Anagnorsis refers to the moment when the hero in a story or play makes a significant and crucial discovery. This discovery often leads to a turning point in the plot and deepens the understanding of the hero's situation or the overall narrative. It is not just any discovery, but specifically an important one that has a profound impact on the story.

A tragic hero is a character who possesses a flaw or weakness in their personality that leads them to make unfortunate choices. This flaw ultimately leads to their downfall or tragic ending. This definition aligns with the given correct answer option.

Aristotle believed that watching tragedy allows us to experience intense emotions of fear and pity, which in turn lead to catharsis. Catharsis refers to the purification or purging of these emotions, providing a release and a sense of emotional relief. Through this process, individuals can gain self-knowledge and achieve a resolution or sense of closure. It is through catharsis that tragedy serves its purpose in helping individuals understand and navigate their own emotions and experiences.

A catastrophe refers to the final event in a drama, particularly in tragedies. It often involves a significant and disastrous event that brings about a sudden and dramatic change in the story. This event can be the death of a character or a major calamity that leads to the downfall or destruction of the protagonist and other characters. It is a crucial element in tragedies as it marks the climax and resolution of the story, highlighting the consequences of the tragic flaw or the unfavorable circumstances faced by the characters.

The pair of words "protagonist/hero" and "antagonist/villain" can be used interchangeably. In literature or storytelling, the protagonist is the main character or the hero, while the antagonist is the character who opposes or acts as the villain. Therefore, both pairs of words can be used to describe the main character and the opposing character in a story.

The correct answer is a contrast between what the audience perceives and what a character does not know. This refers to a situation in which the audience knows something that the character(s) in the story are unaware of, creating tension and often leading to dramatic or comedic effects.

This answer is correct because Nemesis refers to an unavoidable situation that the hero is in, which is related to hubris. Hubris refers to excessive pride or arrogance, often leading to the downfall of the hero in Greek tragedies. In this context, Nemesis represents the retribution or punishment that the hero faces as a result of their hubris.

A tragic hero must be a man of nobility and status, but his vices and virtues must be average. This means that the tragic hero should possess both positive and negative qualities, but they should not be exceptional or extreme. The presence of vices and virtues in the tragic hero makes them relatable and human, as they struggle with their flaws and make mistakes that ultimately lead to their downfall. Having average vices and virtues adds depth and complexity to the character, making their tragic journey more compelling and impactful.

The correct answer is Z because the exposition or inciting moment is the part of a story where the main conflict or problem is introduced. In this case, Z is the first option listed, indicating that it is the beginning or starting point of the story.

A tragic flaw refers to the weakness in character that leads to the downfall of a tragic hero. This flaw is a personality trait that causes the hero to make unfortunate choices, ultimately leading to their own demise. It is this flaw that creates the tragic conflict and drives the narrative of a tragic play or story.

The falling action refers to the part of a story where the conflicts and complications start to resolve and the story moves towards its conclusion. In this case, since Z is listed as the best representation of the falling action, it can be inferred that Z is the part of the story where the conflicts are being resolved and the story is heading towards its conclusion.