Final answer:
The dramatic genre of tragedy is credited to the Greek poet Thespis. Greek tragedy was further developed by tragedians like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides and defined philosophically by Aristotle. This form of drama emphasizes ethical choices and the catharsis of pity and fear.
Step-by-step explanation:
The individual credited with inventing the dramatic genre of tragedy is Thespis, a tragic poet from ancient Greece. According to the Great Man origin theory, it was Thespis who first stepped out of the chorus to engage in dialogue, thus adding character speeches and establishing the foundation for what would become known as Greek tragedy. Over time, many tragedians contributed to the genre, but the three best-known ancient Greek tragedians are Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Aeschylus is known for further refining the form by reducing the chorus size and introducing a second actor, while his work, the Oresteia trilogy, remains a seminal example of the genre.
Greek tragedy, as further defined by Aristotle, embodies a form of theater where the protagonist typically faces high ethical choices and consequences, often due to a fatal flaw such as hubris. The genre aims to evoke both pity and fear, leading to a catharsis for the audience. This format influenced later playwrights, including Shakespeare, and the tragic form has continued to evolve through various cultural lenses, from the Roman adaptations of Greek plays by Seneca to the present day.