The rise and fall of ancient, and not-so-ancient heroes. Tragic Hero Cycle The rise and fall of ancient, and not-so-ancient heroes.

Tragedy a play where the protagonist has a struggle that leads to his or her downfall.

1. Person of Status The High Beginning Of noble birth Person of status, respected Leaders or kings Wealthy, noble, virtuous Typically male.

1.2 Audience & the Hero Audience must be able to identify with the tragic hero, and eventually pity him. Noble, but not “above us” likeable He is NOT perfect. if he were perfect, we wouldn’t be able to relate!

2 Tragic Flaw Flaw leads to a crisis, ultimately condemns the hero Hubris result of a free choice

3. Crisis Crisis: the major event that sets off a leads to a “tragic” chain of events.

4. Tragic Chain of Events Tension increases (much like a short story plot arc) Protagonist is faced with a dilemma which will alter the fate of at least one central character

5. Reversal of Fortune Reversal is devastating Results in total destruction Punishment is not wholly deserved—exceeds the crime

6. Self-Discovery or Self-Knowledge Tragic hero finally realizes the damage his tragic flaw has caused Becomes a better person for these realizations, but still has consequences of choices

7. Catharsis Outpouring of emotion Audience may sympathize A cleansing cycle

8. Tragic Ending Death is not a requirement—it’s not Shakespeare’s tragedy! Offstage death

Tragic Hero Cycle Person of Status Tragic Flaw Crisis Tragic Chain of Events Reversal of Fortune Self Discovery Catharsis Tragic Ending