C-Notes: Aristotle's Tragic Hero

How to Identify a Tragic Hero

Tragic Hero

•Aristotle's ideas about tragedy were recorded in his book titled Poetics

•There are 6 character traits of a Tragic Hero

Tragic Hero: Trait 1

• T.H. is a character of noble stature and has greatness

– The character must occupy a "high" status position (king or princess)

– ALSO embody nobility and virtue as part of his/her innate character• nobility (noun): high ideals or excellent

moral character• virtue (noun): the quality of being morally

good or righteous

Tragic Hero: Trait 2

• Though T.H. is highly distinguished or great, he/she is not perfect 

– Make the character relatable to the everyday man and woman

– People can identify with the tragic hero

– Seen as someone who is essentially like us

Tragic Hero: Trait 3

• The T.H. downfall is partially her/his own fault– the result of free choice, not of accident or

villainy or some overriding, malignant fate• The tragedy usually triggered by some error

of judgment or some character flaw that contributes to the T.H.’s lack of perfection

– This character flaw is known as the "tragic flaw" 

• Often the character's "tragic flaw" involves hubris

– Hubris (noun): the excessive pride and ambition that usually leads to the downfall of a hero in classical tragedy

Tragic Hero: Trait 4

• The T.H.’s misfortunate is not wholly deserved

• The punishment exceeds the crime

Tragic Hero: Trait 5

• The fall is not pure loss• There is some:

– increase in awareness– gain in self-knowledge– discovery on the part of the

tragic hero

Tragic Hero: Trait 6

• Tragic plays rouse sad emotion, but do not leave audience in a state of depression

• one function of tragedy-to arouse the "unhealthy" emotions of pity and fear

• through a catharsis (emotional release which comes from watching the tragic hero's terrible fate) cleanse us of those emotions.

Tragic Flaw: Trait 6

• Greek drama not considered pure "entertainment" it had a communal function--to contribute to the good health of the community  –This is why dramatic performances were a part of religious festivals and community celebrations.

Complete C-Notes

•Write:–5 level one questions–3 level two questions–2 level three questions–Write a 5 sentence summary for each page of notes you took