Final answer:
The seven Shakespearean tragedies are Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth, Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, and Coriolanus, each featuring complex plots, flawed characters, and eventual catharsis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The seven tragedies written by William Shakespeare are Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth, Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, and Coriolanus. Shakespeare's tragedies are characterized by their complex characters, intricate plots, and the presence of a tragic flaw or hamartia that leads to the downfall of the protagonist. For example, in Hamlet, the prince’s vacillation and inability to act decisively is a significant tragic flaw, leading to the play's catastrophic conclusion. Shakespeare's works exemplify the Aristotelian definition of tragedy, weaving language and spectacle to provoke pity and fear, ultimately resulting in a catharsis for the audience.