Characteristics of a Tragic Hero Aristotles Tragic Hero

Characteristics of a Tragic Hero

Aristotle’s Tragic Hero • Aristotle was one of the greatest philosophers of Ancient Greece. • Aristotle used examples from the works of famous Greek playwrights such as Sophocles to illustrate his main ideas. “A tragedy is the imitation of an action that is serious and also, as having magnitude, complete in itself…with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish a catharsis of these emotions. ”

Noble Birth • Typically a king or member of the royal family • Someone that normal people would “look up to” or admire – has outstanding qualities

Possesses a Fatal Flaw • Also called the Hamartia • Traditional fatal flaw is typically hubris, or excessive pride • Flaw ultimately leads to hero’s downfall, often death

Reversal of Fortune • First enjoys privileged life (remember noble birth!) • Flaw causes a reversal of fortune called the Peripeteia (peripəˈtēə) • Downfall seems more impressive due to fall from noble position

An Imperfect Hero • Has outstanding quality or greatness, but audience must identify with him • Without imperfections, downfall would seem improbable or caused by fate only

Downfall is a result of both fate and free will • Hero discovers his true identity and the reality of his situation. Moment of realization is called anagnorisis. • The hero's downfall is partially his own fault, the result of free choice • The gods also are somewhat responsible for the hero's fall.

Punishment Outweighs the Crime • May be injured, or may suffer losses of family or fortune • Wounds are not entirely deserved

Downfall arouses pity or fear • Audience feels pity for hero because flaw is not his fault, so downfall seems undeserved • Audience feels fear because they can identify with hero’s thoughts and actions • Through the arousal of pity and fear, we can purge these unhealthy emotions—this is called catharsis “Wait…this could happen to me!”