Sentimental comedy is a theatrical genre that emphasizes emotional appeal and moral lessons. It often features characters facing personal struggles, highlighting themes of love, virtue, and redemption. The aim is to evoke feelings of sympathy and compassion from the audience, encouraging them to reflect on their own values and relationships. This genre became popular in the 18th century, with playwrights like Richard Brinsley Sheridan and David Garrick contributing to its development. Sentimental comedies typically include comedic elements, but they focus more on heartfelt moments and the resolution of conflicts through emotional understanding rather than purely humorous situations.