1. Tragic Hero and Tragic Flaw
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

3. Characteristics of a Tragic Hero

4. Born of Noble Birth Typically a king or member of the royal family
Someone that normal people would “look up to” or admire

5. Is Neither Completely Good Nor Completely Evil

6. Possesses a Fatal Flaw
Traditional fatal flaw is hubris: overwhelming pride or confidence
Other examples of fatal flaws:
- Loyalty - Stubbornness
- Love - Jealousy
- Greed - Pride
- Ambition - Perfectionism
- Selfishness -Anger

7. Fate is controlled by tragic flaw
Ultimate fate is a downfall, often death
Downfall seems more impressive due to a fall from a noble position

8. Is physically or emotionally wounded by experiences
May be injured, or may suffer losses of family or fortune

9. Suffers more than he deserves
The character’s suffering usually contributes to the theme or life lesson

10. Accepts his fate
The character accepts his fate (often death) with dignity and honor

11. Downfall brings pity or fear
Audience feels pity for hero
Audience realizes they, too, could be harmed by their own tragic flaw