Final answer:
Modern tragedy is distinguished from traditional tragedy by its focus on realism and ordinary characters facing daily life challenges, making the narrative relatable to the audience.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristic that Distinguishes Modern Tragedy from Traditional Tragedy
One characteristic that distinguishes modern tragedy from traditional tragedy is its focus on realism and ordinary characters. Classical tragedies often involved noble characters and heightened language, focusing on the protagonist's ethical choices. In modern tragedy, however, playwrights like Henrik Ibsen and Arthur Miller introduced characters of common birth, speaking in everyday language. They faced realistic challenges, making the experiences more relatable to the audience and emphasizing that such events could happen to anyone. This shift to realism and the personal connection established with the audience are defining traits of modern dramas.
Aristotle's definition of tragedy included six elements: Plot, Character, Diction, Thought, Spectacle, and Song. However, modern tragedy differs by its more complex storylines and realistic character portrayals, moving away from the sole emphasis on plot outlined by Aristotle. Modern tragedies often explore the common person's plight rather than the downfall of nobility, making the adverse events more impactful on a personal level.