A tragic hero can be defined simply as the protagonist of a tragedy. The Greek philosopher Aristotle, however, endowed this individual with a number of specific characteristics. The first of which is his ability to evoke fear and pity from an audience.
Earthquakes are caused by either volcanic activity or shifting of massive tectonic plates underneath the surface of the earth. The plates have a ton of pressure and are pressing against each other, and when the plates suddenly shift it causes the entire ground to move, shake or break apart.
Earthquakes have damaging effects on life, homes and property. However, an earthquake also has an effect on the environment. Damage to the environment during an earthquake can cause devastation and loss of life beyond that caused in the original event, and organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency work to target areas most likely to be affected.