What distinguishes a comedy from other theatrical genres?

The defining characteristic of a comedy is its primary goal to entertain, often through the use of humor and light-hearted situations. Comedies typically employ playful dialogue, amusing character interactions, and scenarios that elicit laughter from the audience. This genre tends to explore themes of love, social relationships, and misunderstandings, often with a happy or uplifting resolution.

This contrasts markedly with other theatrical genres such as tragedy, which may focus on serious themes, often culminating in sorrowful or disastrous outcomes. While historical subjects can certainly be explored in comedies, they are not exclusive to the genre and do not define it. In fact, serious themes and life struggles belong more to serious genres, reinforcing the concept that comedies are characterized by their comedic approach rather than a focus on tragic or historical narrative. The essence of comedy lies in its ability to provide humor and enjoyment, setting it apart from the weightier elements found in other genres.