Shakespeare is known for writing four types of plays: comedies, tragedies, histories, and romances. In general, one can discern between these genres by evaluating whether anybody dies (tragedy), whether there are any marriages at the end (comedies), whether the play is about the succession of English kings (history), or whether there is a combination of comic and tragic elements (romance). In the First Folio, Cymbeline is categorized as a tragedy. However, critics generally agree that Cymbeline better fits the genre of romance, also known as tragicomedy.
A key staple of Shakespeare's romances is the plot: they typically begin on a tragic or bleak note, emphasizing separation, loss, and wandering. One can clearly see this plot at play in Cymbeline, where Imogen and Posthumus are separated at the beginning of the play, and where Cymbeline is left unaware of the Queen's evil schemes. As the narrative unfolds, characters can be seen wandering from place to place (Imogen, for example, travels to Wales dresses as Fidele). Unlike tragedies, however, romances typically end on a joyous note of reunion, reconciliation, and unity. This, too, can be observed in the play, as Cymbeline's three children are all eventually returned to him, Imogen marries Posthumus, and Britain continues to pay tribute to Rome.
