Q&A for How to Write a Tragedy

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I'm writing a novel about two people falling in love. I want to give it a tragic ending. Should one die or should they just they leave each other?

Read4ever

Community Answer

It depends on how you feel the story would end. If the characters are very in love, one can die to save the other. If their bond is not very strong, or if they are in a bad situation, they can break it off. One way to do this is when one character thinks the other is in trouble because of them, and they decide to pretend not to have loved them at all for their good.

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Question

Is it necessary that a tragedy should have a hero who is admired?

Dragonlovers

Community Answer

Your hero does not have to be likable, but he must have some redeeming qualities so the audience can at least sympathize with him. Try not to excuse his selfish and immoral behavior when doing this, but show that he could be a better person. If you do this well, it will make the story even more tragic.

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What should I do if I'm worried about being too cliche?

Dragonlovers

Community Answer

Cliches aren't inherently bad. They are used often because they work. If you discover you are using a cliche, you can try to give your own spin to it to make it more original. For example, you can deconstruct or subvert the cliche.

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Is it okay if my main hero character dies?

ElDiablo69

Community Answer

It's okay for your main hero to die, but make sure they have good qualities.

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