1. So… what is a Tragic Hero anyway?
Born of noble birth
Fatal flaw – personality and/or judgment
Fate controlled by fatal flaw
Must suffer more than he/she deserves
Must be doomed from the start, but bears no responsibility for possessing flaw
Noble in nature but imperfect (human)
Must have discovered fate by own actions
Story should arouse fear and empathy (could happen to someone
Must be physically/spiritually wounded by experiences, often resulting in death

2. Tragic Hero Background
“A man cannot become a hero until he can see the root of his own downfall.” Aristotle
The tragic hero is a man of noble stature. He is not an ordinary man, but a man with outstanding quality and greatness about him. His own destruction is for a greater cause or principle.

3. Characteristics of a Tragic Hero

4. 1. Noble Background
Often (but not always) a member of a royal family, or a higher social class
Someone that normal people would “look up to” or admire – has outstanding qualities

5. 2. Imperfect or “human” despite noble nature
Has outstanding quality or greatness, but audience must identify with him
Without imperfections, downfall would seem unlikely

6. 3. Possesses a Fatal Flaw Also called the Hamartia
Traditional fatal flaw is hubris, or excessive pride but there can be many others
Flaw ultimately leads to hero’s downfall, often death

7. 4. The hero's downfall is partially her/his own fault
Downfall is a result of free will/choice, NOT villainy or accident
We don’t blame the character for the fatal flaw, only the decisions made or actions
that result from the flaw.

8. 5. Punishment exceeds the crime
May be injured, or may suffer losses of family or fortune
Wounds are not entirely deserved

9. 6. The fall is not pure loss…
Downfall or death is usually seen as a waste of human potential
Suffering always has greater meaning
Greater lesson learned

10. Example: John Proctor Noble Background Imperfect Fatal Flaw
Causes own downfall
Suffers greatly
Gains new knowledge

11. Noble Background
John Proctor is a farmer. He is handsome and well regarded in his community. He is not wealthy or noble but honest and respected by his neighbors.

12. Imperfect
John Proctor had an affair with Abigail Williams when she was the Proctors’ house servant. Proctor’s wife, Elizabeth, discovered this affair. Proctor sincerely works to improve his icy relationship with his wife, Elizabeth, but she senses that he is still in love with Abigail.

13. Fatal Flaw Lechery Pride
Does not want the community to know of his sin
Believes he can handle Abigail

14. Causes own downfall
Proctor believes he can keep his lecherous past with Abigail a secret from the community and still save Elizabeth who has been accused of witchcraft by Abigail. He drags Mary Warren to court and she winds up accusing him.

15. Suffers greatly
Proctor is condemned to hang. He is tortured physically and spiritually.
For example:
The morning of his hanging, Abigail bribes the jailor to let her see Proctor. She has arranged for them to run away together to Boston where they can begin a new life together. Abigail tells him that she has forgiven him for calling her out. Proctor gives no answer and Abigail flees

16. Gains new knowledge
Proctor understands that he has brought a catastrophe to his entire community because of his actions.