Here are some famous examples:
* Hamlet by William Shakespeare: The titular character, Hamlet, is driven to madness and revenge, ultimately leading to his own death and a bloodbath for his family.
* Oedipus Rex by Sophocles: Oedipus, a king who tries to escape his fate, inadvertently fulfills a prophecy that leads to his downfall, blinding himself and being exiled.
* Macbeth by William Shakespeare: Macbeth's ambition and lust for power leads him down a path of murder and ultimately his own destruction.
* Antigone by Sophocles: Antigone defies the king's law to bury her brother, a choice that results in her tragic death.
* Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller: Willy Loman, a failed salesman, faces a disillusioning reality and ultimately chooses suicide.
Other characteristics of a tragedy:
* Hubris: The main character often possesses a fatal flaw, often excessive pride, that leads to their downfall.
* Fate: Tragic characters often grapple with forces beyond their control, like destiny or the gods.
* Catharsis: The audience experiences emotional release, often through pity and fear, through witnessing the tragedy unfold.
Let me know if you'd like me to delve into a specific play or discuss more about the elements of tragedy!