1. 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.

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

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

4. 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!

5. 2 Tragic Flaw Flaw leads to a crisis, ultimately condemns the hero
Hubris
result of a free choice

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

7. 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

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

9. 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

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

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

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