《三國演義》在中國古典小說中雖有重要地位，但從文學藝術的角度而言，由於其題材受限於歷史而較缺乏創造性，常得到學者正反不同的評價。然而不可否認的，在眾多小說作品中，《三國演義》一直是最膾炙人口，流傳也最廣的作品。探究其原因，作品中的「悲劇意識」成分產生了極重要的影響。本文以毛本《三國演義》為對象，從歷史詮釋觀點與小說人物塑造兩方面，探討全書所呈現的「悲劇意識」，以及如此的「悲劇意識」又是帶給讀者怎樣的沈思，並指出其侷限性。希望從不同角度對《三國演義》做出評價。

Although Romance of the Three Kingdoms holds a paramount position in classical Chinese novels, its artistic creativeness earns mixed responses for the fact that its subject matter is mainly historical. This article argues that a sense of prevailing tragedy explains the novel’s favor and popularity. Based on Mao Zong-gang edition, this article reveals the tragic consciousness in “Romance of the Three Kingdoms by studying its characterization and historical vision. I also examine this tragic sense in terms of reader’s response and evaluate its affective power, hoping to provide yet another reading of this classic.