Final answer:
In classic tragedies, the protagonist faces ethical dilemmas and often has a downfall, whereas in comedies, characters are mocked, often leading to a happier resolution. Modern tragedies may feature ordinary people and can end on a more positive note, while tragicomedies blend elements of both genres. If a protagonist rises to lead a new society, it could align with either a tragicomedy or a modern tragedy.
Step-by-step explanation:
When examining whether a story's protagonist often becomes the leader of a new society as part of a tragedy or a comedy, it's important to understand the classical definitions of these genres. In a classic tragedy, the protagonist is typically a male character of noble birth who faces significant ethical dilemmas, such as Oedipus in Oedipus the King, making choices that often lead to a downfall or catastrophic ending. This downfall is usually due to a tragic flaw, or hamartia, such as hubris. On the other hand, a comedy, especially in Greek times, involved mocking characters in power with plays full of satire written by playwrights like Aristophanes.
In modern times, the concept of tragedy has evolved into what is often called modern tragedy or drama. Playwrights like Henrik Ibsen began writing about ordinary people dealing with extraordinary circumstances. These plays often deal with a subject of relevance to the greater community and introduce a sense of realism, allowing the audience to strongly identify with the characters and their plights. Tragicomedies combine elements of both tragedy and comedy, leading to stories with relatable characters and sometimes a happy ending, differing from the typical bleak conclusion of a classic tragedy.
In the context of your question, if a protagonist often becomes the leader of a new society, it may suggest a narrative arc that provides a resolution which could align with either a tragicomedy or even a modern tragedy in which the protagonist's journey, while fraught with serious challenges and ethical dilemmas, doesn't necessarily lead to a negative end.