The Tragic HeroJulius Caesar

Tragic Hero Background

A tragic hero is often used in Shakespearean literature.

This model of a hero may not always be a “good guy”.

The tragic hero has made its way into more contemporary literature because audiences can relate to them.

A tragic hero follows a twelve step pattern. 

What Defines Shakespearean

Tragedy?  A Tragic Hero 

The Tragic Flaw-Hamartia

Reversal of Fortune

Catharsis

Restoration of Social Order –Denouement

Tragic Hero Traits

The tragic hero is someone we, as an audience, look up to—someone superior.

The tragic hero is nearly perfect, and we identify with him/her

The hero has one flaw or weakness

We call this the ‘tragic flaw’, ‘fatal flaw’, or hamartia

Reversal of Fortune 

The ‘fatal flaw’ brings the hero down from his/her elevated state.

Renaissance audiences were familiar with the ‘wheel of fortune’ or ‘fickle fate’.

What goes up, must come down.

Catharsis

 We get the word ‘catharsis’ from Aristotle’s katharsis.

‘Catharsis’ is the audience’s purging of emotions through pity and fear.

The spectator is purged as a result of watching the hero fall.

This is why we cry during movies!

Restoration of Social Order 

Tragedies include a private and a public element

The play cannot end until society is, once again, at peace.

This is why the Tragic Hero often dies!

Tragic Hero Pattern

Step 1 – A protagonist of high estate

 Step 2 – A tragic flaw in character 

Step 3 – Intrusion of time, sense of urgency

 Step 4 – Misreading/Rationalizations

Step 5 – Murder, exile, alienation of enemies and allies

Step 6 – Gradual isolation of Tragic Hero

Tragic Hero Pattern

Step 7 – Mobilization of opposition 

Step 8 – Recognition of tragic flaw, too late

Step 9 – Last courageous attempt to restore greatness. 

Step 10 – Audience recognizes potential for greatness. 

Step 11 – Death of tragic hero.

Step 12 – Restoration of order.    

Back to the Text

Step 1: Sit with your partner

Step 2: Read the synopsis together

Step 3: Complete the 12 Step Chart by analyzing how the play’s storyline follows the path of the Tragic Hero.

FOCUS: Who is the Tragic Hero of Julius Caesar?