This document provides an overview of Shakespeare's tragedies including King Lear, Hamlet, and Romeo and Juliet. It defines what a tragedy is, such as the downfall of a central character. Tragedies tend to involve a tragic hero with flaws who tries to achieve a goal but is limited. The document discusses key characters and themes in each of Shakespeare's tragedies. It also analyzes scenes and quotes to illustrate themes of madness, death, and the father-daughter relationship in Hamlet.