1. Title: Tragic Hero and Tragic Flaw http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/tragedy-in-drama- classical-to-modern.html#lesson

2. What are heroic traits?

3. Tragic Hero Background “A man cannot become a hero until he can see the root of his own downfall.” -Aristotle

4. Tragic Hero Background 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.

5. Characteristics of a Tragic Hero

6. Born of Noble Birth Typically a king or royalty Someone that normal people would “look up to” or admire Is neither completely good nor completely evil, but has a fatal flaw

7. Is Neither Completely Good Nor Completely Evil

8. Ultimate fate is a downfall, often death Downfall seems more impressive due to a fall from a noble position Consider: a man who spent his life alone, poor, dies alone and poor. A King, once wealthy and loved, dies alone and poor. Fate is controlled by tragic flaw

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

10. Downfall is seen as a waste of human potential The character’s suffering contributes to the theme or life lesson Suffers more than he deserves

11. Audience feels pity for hero Audience can identify with hero’s thoughts and actions “Wait…this could happen to me!” Downfall brings pity or fear

12. Tragic Hero’s Story: Key Terms Hamartia: The tragic flaw that causes the hero's downfall. Hubris: Excessive pride, or disrespect for the natural order Peripeteia: A reversal of fortune Anagnorisis: The moment when the hero makes a critical discovery Nemesis: A fate that cannot be avoided, usually as retribution for hubris Catharsis: The feeling of pity or fear the audience experiences after the hero's fall.

13. Summary How is a tragic hero different from your definition of a hero?

14. STOP

15. Has outstanding quality or greatness, but audience must identify with him Are YOU perfect? Without imperfections, downfall would seem improbable or caused by fate only Imperfect or “human” despite noble nature

16. Actions result in an increase of self-awareness and self-knowledge Fate is discovered by his own actions, not things happening to him Bears no responsibility for flaw, only for actions influenced by flaw Downfall is a result of free choice