Tragic HeroAntigone

Aristotle

Aristotle was a Greek scholar and philosopher

Wrote ideas about tragedy in a book of literary theory called Poetics.

He outlined the characteristics of a tragic hero, a different type of character from what we know of as a hero.

Noble Birth

Character must be of a “high status” in society

He/she must possess nobility and virtue as part of their natural, or innate, character

Great, but not perfect

The character is not perfect This enables the audience to identify

with the character, even though they may be of different social class or economic status.

Tragic flaw

Called hamartia in greek terms Typically an error in judgment Usually a result of hubris=

arrogance, pride or overconfidence Always a result of personal choice Not the result of destiny

Punishment exceeds the crime

The audience sees that the misfortune of the character is not entirely deserved.

Somehow the character’s punishment for their actions exceeds their crime

A change in the character

The fall of the character is not purely depressing

Something changes or takes place within the character Awareness, self-knowledge, discovery

Catharsis

The conclusion of the story does not leave the audience depressed

The process arouses unhealthy emotions

The emotions are then cleansed through watching the play

This was not just entertainment, but believe to help the emotional health of the community.