At the end of a classic tragedy, the hero has struggled in vain against supernatural powers, like fate or the gods. A mistake or flaw causes the hero to fail and suffer a terrible fate.

The audience is left with a feeling of pity for the tragic hero, and fear that the same fate could befall them personally.

Aristotle believed feeling this pity and fear helped to “emotionally cleanse” the audience, by letting them experience these intense emotions in a safe manner.