Final answer:
In a traditional tragedy, characters are often caught up in a web of tragic fate, which is a series of unavoidable events leading to their downfall, as typically observed in Greek tragedies and Shakespeare's plays.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a traditional tragedy, the characters are often caught up in a web of tragic fate. This concept of fate represents a predetermined course of events that is inevitable and unchangeable, which the characters cannot escape from. Classic tragedies tend to explore how characters deal with these circumstances and often highlight a character's tragic flaw or hamartia that leads to their downfall. For example, in Greek tragedies, such as those written by Sophocles, and in Shakespeare's plays like Hamlet, characters face ethical dilemmas with high stakes that typically lead to catastrophic outcomes.
According to Aristotle's definition in Poetics, tragedy is "an imitation of action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude" and seeks to evoke pity and fear in the audience, leading to catharsis. This is done using a language that is often embellished and dramatic. In contrast, other dramatic genres such as comedies, can have a focus on everyday characters and may end happily.
Therefore, the answer to the student's question is B) Fate.