1. Element #1 of a Tragic Hero
Noble Nature – The hero comes from a high position in society, one of influence.
Military General
President
CEO
Royal Family Member
Note: Tragedies in the Aristotelian and Greek sense are not about “everyday people.”

2. Element #2 of a Tragic Hero
Mistake or Tragic Flaw – The hero has a quality or makes a mistake that causes the downfall of the hero.
Being too prideful or arrogant
Refusing to listen to other people’s ideas
Following poor advice on a critical matter
Having extreme jealousy

3. Element #3 of a Tragic Hero
Free Choice – The hero chooses the path that leads to his downfall through an action or decision.
Making a snap decision in firing someone
Going to a party with illegal activity
Having an affair when in public office
Following a significant other to see if the person is cheating or lying

4. Element #4 of a Tragic Hero
Extreme Consequences – The hero receives consequences beyond what is reasonable/justifiable for the error.
A ruined reputation for one bad decision
Life in prison for a crime committed under duress in combat
Abandonment by spouse and family over a simple misunderstanding
Loss of medical license for performing an experimental procedure (= loss of job, house, etc.)

5. Element #5 of a Tragic Hero
Increased Awareness – The hero sees the truth and his error when it is too late.
Receiving DNA evidence that proves innocence after enforcing a death sentence
Realizing your spouse was faithful after having signed the divorce papers
Realizing a vaccine is deadly after having already released it to the public
Realizing your financial advisor has sabotaged the company after he flees on “vacation”

6. Element #6 of a Tragic Hero
Produces Catharsis – The tragedy causes a release from negative emotions (pity, fear) the audience experienced in watching.
A “good cry” at the end of a sad movie
Pity for characters and relief after a disaster at the end of a story
Relief in discovering the awful truth because knowing is better than not knowing
Relief from feeling tense after a scary movie