Tragic Roles: between world-weariness, pathos, and despair. Over the centuries, tragedy and the tragic play, as well as the concept of the tragic, have been redefined time and again. The origin of tragedy lies in ancient theater, but from antiquity to the present, the understanding of the tragic has evolved not only in society but also on stage. This collection of materials, which brings together all the well-known authors from Aeschylus to Heiner Müller, allows us to trace this fascinating transformation while rediscovering interesting and conflict-laden stage texts: for entrance exams or auditions at drama schools, for acting classes, performances, rehearsal work, and voice training. Theater scholars, dramaturgs, and teachers will also find inspiration for their own work.