Explain The Flaws In The Cask Of Amontillado

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How the Protagonist’s Flaws Enhance the Character
When picturing a protagonist, many people envision a conventional hero with an intrepid personality, contrary to the stereotypical antagonist. Despite common belief, this cliche is seldom true and occasionally the complete opposite. In fact, the characteristics of protagonists fluctuate tremendously; some can be deplorable murderers, while others can be selfless humanitarians. However, they all obtain one distinctive characteristic: a flaw. These flaws can scope from arrogance to deceitfulness, but without them the character loses its sense of depth. If the protagonist of the story is perfect, they develop as dull and unrelatable and do not connect with or enthrall readers. However, when a protagonist is imperfect in some manner, they become identifiable with the reader. Protagonists who are illustrated as defected combat themselves in addition to their rivals, which develops them into …show more content…

These imperfections cause him to murder his former friend Fortunato, because “when he ventured upon insult, [Montresor] vowed revenge” (212). Montresor goes to severe measures in order to maintain his pride, demonstrating that he is arrogant, cruel, and a generally imperfect person. However, while Montresor appears cold and cruel on the outside, after he killed Fortunato “[his] heart grew sick” (216). Although Montresor perceives his emotional response as a physical reaction to the dampness of the catacombs, the reader sees it for what it truly is: a sign of remorse.The reader can discern that Montresor’s pride and cruelty are battling against his conscience, and that his flaws catalyze his actions. Observing Montresor’s faults instead of speculating he is comprehensively inhumane conceives him to be a profound and deep

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