Let’s be honest—this isn’t the plot that leaves students cheering. Booker’s Tragedy is the one where the hero makes a few too many wrong choices and everything goes downhill… quickly. Instead of slaying the monster and dancing off into the sunset, this story ends in heartbreak, regret, and (often) someone’s untimely demise. So yes, it’s the exact opposite of Overcoming the Monster—and we’re here for it. With tissues.
☠️ What Makes It a Tragedy?
- The hero starts off surrounded by community—family, friends, or a solid support system. Things look promising.
- But then… a fatal flaw in the hero’s character steps onto the stage (cue dramatic irony). Think pride, envy, impulsiveness, or just plain bad decision-making.
- That flaw leads to one big mistake… and then another… and another.
- Slowly, relationships crumble. The hero becomes isolated. The weight of the mistake sinks in—and it’s too late.
- Instead of redemption, we get a downfall. Often, yes, death. Sometimes figurative. Sometimes literal.
These stories echo the structure of Greek tragedies and Shakespearean drama, but modern versions still strike a chord—and not just because they make your students go “noooo!”
Tragedy Mini Lesson and Classroom Project
Students will use a staggered flip organizer to explore the key parts of the Tragedy plot. It guides them through:
- defining the structure
- listing examples from literature and pop culture (prepare for a Titanic mention or two)
- a “Digging Deeper” question asking why readers are so drawn to sad stories
- practice pages to analyze tragic tales
👉 Get the printable here »
Tragedy Plot Description
All of Booker’s Plots
For a gentle intro into this heavy genre, use this short video on all seven of Booker’s plot types—bonus points for LEGO reenactments. Hit pause after each scene for class discussion or mild existential reflection.
The Greek Tragedy
And while most Greek tragedies go way over upper elementary heads, one solid option is Ajax by Sophocles. There’s an illustrated version floating around online—created by a high school student—that works well. It’s detailed enough for students to grasp the story and fill in their Tragedy Organizer.
Tragedy is all about good intentions that take a turn for the worse. Whether it’s a heartbreaking love story like “Romeo and Juliet”, a bittersweet tale of giving like “The Giving Tree”, or the touching journey of a loyal dog facing hardships in “Old Yeller”, these stories leave a lasting impression and often bring a tear to our eyes.
This plot helps us explore human nature, our emotions, and the outcomes of our choices in a way that’s relatable and thought-provoking.
Tragedy Examples
Many of Shakespeare’s plays
- Anthony and Cleopatra
- Hamlet
- Julius Caesar
- King Lear
- Macbeth
- Othello
- Romeo and Juliet
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
This book portrays a selfless tree that gives everything she has to a boy throughout his life until she is reduced to a stump.
Bonnie and Clyde
This story is based on two real people who embark on a crime spree in the 1930s, but their story ends tragically as law enforcement pursues them and ultimately guns them down.
Old Yeller by Fred Gipson
The book tells the story of a boy and his dog in the Old West. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes when the dog contracts rabies and the boy must put him down.
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
The story of a boy and his two dogs who go on a hunting adventure together, but the dogs tragically die at the end, leaving the boy to come to terms with their loss.
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
This book follows a family who has discovered the secret to eternal life, and the consequences that come with it.
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
This book tells the story of a stuffed rabbit who longs to become real, but eventually wears out and is thrown away.
West Side Story
This modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet features rival gangs who clash violently, leading to the tragic deaths of several main characters.
Titanic
The classic story of the Titanic depicts two star-crossed lovers aboard a doomed ship. However, their love is ultimately cut short by the tragedy of the ship’s sinking.
Peter Parker ‘Spiderman’ and Gwen Stacy
In the comic book storyline of Peter Parker ‘Spiderman’ and Gwen Stacy, the villain Green Goblin throws Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker’s girlfriend, from a bridge. Despite Spiderman’s efforts, he is unable to save her, and she meets a tragic end.
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
The story of a friendship between two children, Jess and Leslie, who create an imaginary world called Terabithia. However, Leslie tragically dies in an accident, leaving Jess to come to terms with her death and the end of their friendship.
In all of these examples, the characters experience a tragic end, whether due to their own actions or circumstances beyond their control, making them fitting examples of the Tragedy plot structure.
If you missed the link above for the handouts, here it is again:
Jump to the plot you are interested in using these links.
