A greek tragedy
Do you know what Oedipus, Ajax, Prometheus & Kratos have in common?-They all suffered due to their own actions.
“A Greek tragedy presents a tale where, a reversal of fortune befalls a person of high stature and superior attainments due to a tragic flaw. These stories should arouse pity & fear within the reader, creating a sense of tragic pleasure; and because neither you nor I are completely good or completely evil the heroes found in these stories are usually morally ambiguous, so that the audience can better relate.”
The Tragic Pyramid
In dissecting the essence of Greek tragedy, we encounter three foundational elements:
Anástima (Stature)
Hamartia (Error)
pragmatopoíisi (Realisation)
I would like to look at these three elements through the lens of GOW to better explain each one.
anástima
The Spartan Captain:
Kratos stands as the epitome of stature, revered by his men and feared by his enemies. His ascension to the ranks of the Spartan army paints a picture of formidable prowess. Yet, it is precisely this lofty position that renders his fall from grace all the more devastating.
At the story's beginning, our Hero must be of high social rank and capable of impressive feats so that their fall from grace is all the more devastating.
Hamartia
A Relentless Ambition:
Kratos' relentless ambition, fueled by his allegiance to Ares, leads to the tragic demise of his family and the divine retribution that follows. Here, we witness the quintessential tragic flaw — ambition turning into a destructive force, ultimately leading to the protagonist's undoing.
At some point, our character must become a detriment to themselves, due to an error brought about by their tragic flaw.
pragmatopoíisi
God Crushing Realisation:
Amidst the bloodshed and carnage, Kratos finds himself confronted with a harrowing truth — the gods may forgive, but the weight of guilt remains indelible. As he casts himself from the highest peak in Greece, the crushing realization dawns upon him: no one can escape the consequences of their actions.
Finally, our tragic figure must come to the realization that all the misfortune they have suffered is, for the most part, of their own doing.
Putting it all together
Whether one follows Freytag's pyramid or Joseph Campbell's monomyth, the essence of tragedy remains immutable. In weaving a narrative tapestry, these three foundational elements serve as guiding stars, illuminating the path towards a resonant and enduring story.