What term describes a form of drama that typically includes a notable character facing an unhappy conflict and a theme that evokes emotions of pity and fear?

The term that describes a form of drama characterized by a notable character dealing with a significant conflict, often leading to an unhappy resolution, is "tragedy." In tragedies, the central figure usually faces downfall or suffering that elicitis strong emotions of pity and fear from the audience. This emotional response is a key element of the genre, as it explores deep human experiences and moral dilemmas, often related to fate, love, betrayal, or loss.

Tragedy can be traced back to ancient Greek drama, with examples like those of Sophocles or Shakespeare, where the complexities of the human condition are put on full display. This exploration is designed to provoke thought and reflection, making tragedy distinct from other forms of drama such as comedy, which aims to amuse, or farce and melodrama, which tend to exaggerate situations for humorous or dramatic effects, respectively. Thus, the defining characteristics of tragedy align perfectly with the elements described in the question.