The document defines genre as a category or type of works, such as tragedy and comedy. It discusses the characteristics of traditional and modern tragedy, including tragic heroes facing fate. Comedy is described as suspending natural laws and contrasting individuals with social order. Various forms of comedy are outlined, including farce, burlesque, satire, and comedy of manners. The document also defines other genres like heroic drama, melodrama, and domestic drama. Tragicomedy blends serious and comic elements.