The document defines the tragic hero as a noble character whose hamartia, or tragic flaw, leads to a reversal of fortune and downfall, increasing their self-awareness. Common traits include excessive pride causing downfall, being fated and discovering their destiny through their own actions, and eliciting pity and fear from the audience. Examples given are Willy Loman from Death of a Salesman and Perry Smith from In Cold Blood.

1. The Tragic Hero Discovering your destiny

2. Defined “A man cannot become a hero until he sees the root of his own downfall” – Aristotle “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain” – Harvey Dent

3. Five Elements of the Tragic Hero Usually of noble birth Hamartia – tragic flaw that brings about the ultimate downfall Peripeteia – reversal of fortune brought about by the tragic hero’s flaw Actions result in an increase of self-awareness and self-knowledge Audience must feel pity and fear for this character

4. Other common traits Downfall due to excessive pride (hubris) Doomed from the start Fate discovered through own actions Usually a king or leader of men Suffering of the hero must have meaning Almost always male (Cleopatra from Antony and Cleopatra )

5. Modern Tragic Heroes Willy Loman – Death of a Salesman Perry Smith – In Cold Blood Who else?