Tragic hero

Definition

A tragic hero is a literary character who makes a judgment error that inevitably leads to their own destruction. This character often possesses noble qualities, but their tragic flaw or hamartia leads to a downfall, eliciting pity and fear from the audience. The tragic hero’s journey is marked by their struggle against fate and their ultimate recognition of their error, which usually ends in catastrophe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Greek tragedy, tragic heroes are often figures of high status or nobility, such as kings or warriors, which heightens the sense of their fall from grace.
2. Euripides introduced complex characters and questioned traditional notions of heroism, leading to more relatable and psychologically nuanced tragic heroes.
3. John Webster’s tragic heroes often reflect the themes of revenge and moral ambiguity, showcasing how their choices lead to destructive outcomes.
4. The downfall of a tragic hero typically invokes feelings of pity and fear in the audience, as they see both the greatness and the flaws of the character.
5. Tragic heroes serve as a mirror for audiences, prompting them to reflect on human nature and the consequences of choices made in moments of weakness.

Review Questions

• How do the characteristics of a tragic hero differ between the works of Euripides and those of John Webster?
  • Euripides' tragic heroes often exhibit psychological complexity and question traditional values, making them relatable and flawed individuals. In contrast, John Webster's tragic heroes tend to embody themes of revenge and moral ambiguity, portraying characters whose decisions lead them down dark paths. While both types share the core element of hamartia leading to downfall, Euripides focuses more on internal conflict while Webster emphasizes external vengeance and societal decay.
• What role does hamartia play in the narrative structure of Greek tragedies compared to revenge tragedies?
  • Hamartia is central to Greek tragedies as it defines the tragic hero's flaws that lead to their inevitable downfall. In this context, it elicits empathy from the audience as they witness the hero's struggles with fate. In revenge tragedies, while hamartia still exists, it often manifests through deliberate choices that drive characters toward vengeance, creating a different kind of moral complexity. The narratives in both forms reveal how personal flaws contribute to catastrophic outcomes but emphasize different aspects of human experience.
• Evaluate the significance of catharsis in relation to the audience's experience with tragic heroes in both Greek tragedy and revenge tragedy.
  • Catharsis plays a crucial role in how audiences engage with tragic heroes across both Greek and revenge tragedies. In Greek tragedies, audiences experience catharsis through their connection to the tragic hero’s journey, leading to emotional release as they empathize with their suffering. Conversely, in revenge tragedies, catharsis arises from witnessing the complexities of vengeance and moral decay as characters face consequences for their actions. This emotional response prompts audiences to reflect on broader themes of justice and morality while reinforcing the timeless relevance of tragic heroes across different dramatic forms.

Related terms

hamartia: The tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to the downfall of a tragic hero.

catharsis: The emotional release or purification experienced by the audience as they witness the tragic events of the play.

anagnorisis: The moment of critical discovery or recognition where the tragic hero realizes their flaws or mistakes, often leading to a change in their circumstances.