1. Discovering your destiny
The Tragic Hero
Discovering your destiny

2. Defined
“A man cannot become a hero until he sees the root of his own downfall”
– Aristotle
“You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain”
– Harvey Dent
“Fate rarely calls upon us at a moment of our choosing.”
– Optimus Prime

3. Five Elements of the Tragic Hero
Usually of noble birth
Hamartia – tragic flaw that brings about the ultimate downfall
Peripeteia – reversal of fortune brought about by the tragic hero’s flaw
Actions result in an increase of self-awareness and self-knowledge
Audience must feel pity and fear for this character

4. Other common traits Downfall due to excessive pride (hubris)
Doomed from the start
Fate discovered through own actions
Usually a king or leader of men
Suffering of the hero must have meaning
Almost always male (Cleopatra from Antony and Cleopatra)

5. Modern Tragic Heroes Willy Loman – Death of a Salesman
Perry Smith – In Cold Blood
Who else?