Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
tragic hero
noun
/ˈtrædʒɪk ˈhɪroʊ/
Definition
A tragic hero is a character who makes a judgment error that inevitably leads to their own destruction.
Examples
- In Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” the character Prince Hamlet is considered a tragic hero due to his indecision and moral dilemmas.
- In Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman,” Willy Loman embodies the tragic hero, as his pursuit of the American Dream leads to heartbreaking consequences.
Meaning
The concept of a tragic hero is rooted in literature and drama, where the hero experiences an inner conflict that leads to their downfall, often because of a fatal flaw or a grave mistake.
Synonyms
- flawed hero
- doomed hero
- tragic figure
- heroic figure
