The document discusses whether Macbeth from Shakespeare's play can be considered a tragic hero, murderer, madman, or victim. It defines a tragic hero as a character with a fatal flaw or error in judgment that leads to their downfall. Examples of flaws are given as ambition, greed, or weakness. The document also provides definitions for murderer and madman. It raises the question of whether Macbeth was simply manipulated by his ambitious wife Lady Macbeth into committing his evil acts.

1. Tragic Hero?
Murderer?
Madman?
Victim?

2. MACBETH – THE TRAGIC HERO
What is a “tragic hero”?
A character who makes an error of judgment or has a fatal
flaw.
The error of judgment (believing in lies or gossip or
threats) or the flaw in character (ambition? Greed? Power
hungry? Weakness or cowardice?) eventually leads to the
“hero’s” tragic death.
In order for the tragic hero to stir these feelings in the

3. Definition (characteristics) of a TRAGIC HERO

4. If you believe that Macbeth is a
TRAGIC HERO
you will need to find scenes and quotes in the
play which prove that he “fits into” the
definition of a TRAGIC HERO

5. Is Macbeth a cold-hearted murderer?
mur·der (mûrdr) n.
1. The unlawful killing of one human by another,
especially with premeditated malice.
2. v.tr. 1. To kill (another human) unlawfully.
2. To kill brutally or inhumanly.
3. To put an end to; destroy: murdered their chances.

6. Noun
1. A man who is mentally ill.
2. An extremely foolish or reckless person.
Synonyms: lunatic - maniac - bedlamite - fool
Is Macbeth a mad-man?

7. Is Macbeth simply the victim of his
manipulative and ambitious wife?