TRAGIC HERO

Aristotle’s Definition

CHARACTERISTICS

• PERSON OF HIGH STATUS

ie, king, statesman,

senator, elder,

leader, etc.

PERSON HAS MIXTURE OF GOOD AND BAD TRAITS

ie, selfish but kind

hot tempered but brave

arrogant but loyal

HAS FATAL FLAW

“hamartia”

This leads to his/her downfall

Fall is inevitable once hamartia is

committed

PERSON USUALLY GOES ON A JOURNEY

Could be a quest

USUALLY EXPERIENCES

GREAT SUFFERING

Anguish

Heartbreak

Banishment

Humiliation

Death

OFTEN BEFORE DOWNFALL

He/she experiences self-

realization

Recognition of his/her flaw