In the world of drama, two primary genres stand out: tragedy and comedy. Tragedy often focuses on serious themes and the struggles of its protagonists, resulting in an often somber or catastrophic conclusion. In contrast, comedy tends to evoke laughter and typically ends on a positive note. One classic example of tragedy is Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', where ambition leads to downfall. In comparison, works like 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' illustrate the absurdities of love through comedic misunderstanding.
Based on this information, which of the following statements correctly identifies a defining characteristic of a tragedy?