Tragedy is a research area in literature and cultural studies that focuses on the exploration of themes, motifs, and characteristics of tragic plays and texts. Tragedy dates back to ancient Greek theatre and typically involves the downfall of a noble or virtuous protagonist due to a fatal flaw or external circumstances. Scholars in this research area analyze the ways in which tragedy portrays human suffering, fate, morality, and the complexities of the human condition. They may also examine the evolution of tragedy as a genre, its influence on other forms of literature, and its cultural significance throughout history. Major figures in the study of tragedy include Aristotle, who outlined the key elements of tragic drama in his work "Poetics," as well as prominent playwrights such as Sophocles, Shakespeare, and Euripides.