So what is a Tragic Hero anyway Tragic

So… what is a Tragic Hero anyway?

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

Characteristics of a Tragic Hero

1. Noble Background • Often (but not always) a member of a royal family, or a higher social class • Someone that normal people would “look up to” or admire – has outstanding qualities

2. Imperfect or “human” despite noble nature • Has outstanding quality or greatness, but audience must identify with him • Without imperfections, downfall would seem unlikely

3. Possesses a Fatal Flaw • Also called the Hamartia • Traditional fatal flaw is hubris, or excessive pride but there can be many others • Flaw ultimately leads to hero’s downfall, often death

4. The hero's downfall is partially her/his own fault • Downfall is a result of free will/choice, NOT villainy or accident • We don’t blame the character for the fatal flaw, only the decisions made or actions that result from the flaw.

5. Punishment exceeds the crime • May be injured, or may suffer losses of family or fortune • Wounds are not entirely deserved

6. The fall is not pure loss… • Downfall or death is usually seen as a waste of human potential • Suffering always has greater meaning • Greater lesson learned

Example: John Proctor 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Noble Background Imperfect Fatal Flaw Causes own downfall Suffers greatly Gains new knowledge

Noble Background • John Proctor is a farmer. He is handsome and well regarded in his community. He is not wealthy or noble but honest and respected by his neighbors.

Imperfect • John Proctor had an affair with Abigail Williams when she was the Proctors’ house servant. Proctor’s wife, Elizabeth, discovered this affair. Proctor sincerely works to improve his icy relationship with his wife, Elizabeth, but she senses that he is still in love with Abigail.

Fatal Flaw • Lechery • Pride – Does not want the community to know of his sin – Believes he can handle Abigail

Causes own downfall • Proctor believes he can keep his lecherous past with Abigail a secret from the community and still save Elizabeth who has been accused of witchcraft by Abigail. He drags Mary Warren to court and she winds up accusing him.

Suffers greatly • Proctor is condemned to hang. He is tortured physically and spiritually. • For example: – The morning of his hanging, Abigail bribes the jailor to let her see Proctor. She has arranged for them to run away together to Boston where they can begin a new life together. Abigail tells him that she has forgiven him for calling her out. Proctor gives no answer and Abigail flees

Gains new knowledge • Proctor understands that he has brought a catastrophe to his entire community because of his actions.