Final answer:
In classic Greek tragedies, characters often suffer due to a fatal flaw such as hubris, but in modern drama, like Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House, the suffering can be psychological and reflect societal challenges. The protagonists, like Nora from A Doll's House and the titular characters from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, typically undergo the most significant trials.
Step-by-step explanation:
In determining which character in a play suffers the most or faces the most challenges after the play ends, we often look to the protagonist, as this is the character who undergoes significant change and must confront the central conflict.
Classic tragedies, such as those from Greek drama, frequently involve protagonists who suffer due to a fatal flaw, like hubris, leading to a downfall. In more modern drama, like Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House, the suffering is psychological and rooted in societal critique.
Nora, the protagonist of A Doll's House, suffers by having to leave behind her family to search for her identity, which was an act that defied societal norms during the premiere in 1879.
In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the suffering is both physical and emotional, as the young lovers' deaths are a direct result of miscommunication and haste, which serve as a cautionary tale of love and impulsiveness.
The impact of these kinds of sufferings upon the audience can vary greatly, from the catharsis experienced by witnessing a Greek tragedy to the provoked thoughts from Ibsen's challenge to conventional roles.
In conclusion, characters in dramas often suffer in ways that resonate with the audience, be it through classic downfalls or the pursuit of one's identity against societal constraints. The level of suffering and its continuation post-play depend greatly on the nature of the drama itself.