What type of literary work features a protagonist of high status engaged in significant struggle, often ending in disaster?

A tragedy is characterized by a protagonist of high status, such as a king or a noble, who faces a significant struggle, typically against internal flaws or external forces. This genre explores profound themes of fate, moral failure, and the human condition, often culminating in a disastrous outcome for the protagonist. The key elements that define tragedy include the elevated status of the central character and the events leading to their downfall, which resonate with the audience through feelings of pity and fear. This emotional impact is what distinguishes tragedy from other genres, making it a powerful exploration of human experience and consequence, as seen in classical works by playwrights like Shakespeare or Greek dramatists like Sophocles. In contrast, comedy focuses on humorous situations and usually has a happy resolution, drama encompasses a wider range of serious storytelling but does not necessarily imply the tragic downfall, and epics are lengthy narratives often celebrating heroic deeds rather than the tragic parameters.