Defining the Tragic Hero

A tragic hero is the main character in a tragedy story. He is the main theme.

He is the source behind the main issues of the plot and some major points maybe cleared by observing his actions and nature. The tragic hero is always larger than life, a person of action whose decisions determine the fate of others. He is a man who is superior then the average person, a character of noble stature and greatness. Though the tragic hero is pre-eminently great, he is not perfect. Otherwise, the audience would be unable to identify with him and his tragedy. His imperfection is what invokes pity and fear in the audience. Another characteristic of a tragic hero is the fact that he is trigger by some error of judgment or character flaw. The character flaw,also known as a tragic flaw, is inborn to the person and can mirror his background. This flaw contributes to the hero's lack of perfection and it is what leads him to the tragic ending.

The one thing a tragic hero cannot be is a common man. The tragic hero should be superior then the average person. Is character is of noble stature and greatness. He must occupy a "high" status position but must also embody nobility and virtue as part of his innate character. A noble person is one who chooses to act nobly. Tragic characters are those who take life seriously and seek worthwhile goals. In Oedipus's case, he is superior by his social status he is the king of Thebes. Oedipus is also superior in his skills. Oedipus shows himself to be a thinker, good with unraveling mysteries. He was the only man capable of solving the Sphinx's riddle. His intelligence is what makes him great. However, it is also, what makes him tragic. His problem-solver mind leads him on as he works through the mystery of...

... middle of paper ...

...o can be found in the definition of what tragic and hero means. A tragic event is disastrous, dreadful or fateful. A tragic story or play has a serious theme usually results in death or defeat. A hero is a man who displays courage or noble qualities yet he is imperfect and suffers from a flaw in this character. The tragic hero is devoted to his goals in an extreme way, he demonstrated courage, stubbornness and pride which is to a greater degree then the average man. The tragic flaw is the most important definition of the hero and the events that occurs is a reflection of that flaw. A tragic hero represents human experience in its extreme. His characteristics are human characteristics, his ambitions and goals are human and represent many people. The tragic hero is capable of great suffering. He represents humankind by representing a fundamental aspect of human nature.