Question

1. ______ what is the main difference between a comedy and a tragedy? a. a comedy is based on realistic situations, characters, and settings, while a tragedy is not. b. a tragedy is based on realistic situations, characters, and settings, while a comedy is not. c. a tragedy is a serious drama that usually ends with death, while a comedy is a lighthearted drama. d. a tragedy usually has five acts, while a comedy usually has only three.

Explanation:

• Option A: Both comedies and tragedies can be based on realistic or non - realistic elements, so this is incorrect.
• Option B: Similar to A, the basis in realism is not a defining difference between the two, so this is wrong.
• Option C: Tragedies are serious and often end with the downfall (including death) of the main character, while comedies are light - hearted and usually end happily. This correctly states the main difference.
• Option D: The number of acts is not a main difference between comedy and tragedy.

Answer:

C. A tragedy is a serious drama that usually ends with death, while a comedy is a lighthearted drama.