This essay argues that Captain Ahab of Moby Dick can be viewed as a tragic hero despite initial perceptions. It outlines how Ahab fits the classic definition of a tragic hero through his elevated position as captain and through his fatal flaw of pride and monomaniacal pursuit of Moby Dick, which leads to his downfall. The essay references other scholars who have also analyzed Ahab's heroic traits and how he follows the model of a Shakespearean tragic hero through his leadership position conferring status alone.