Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

tragic-heroine

Noun

/ˈtrædʒɪk ˈhɛroʊɪn/

Definition

A tragic heroine is a female character in literature or drama who faces significant misfortune, often due to a personal flaw or moral weakness, leading to a catastrophic outcome.

Examples

In Shakespeare’s play, Lady Macbeth serves as a tragic heroine, driven by ambition yet ultimately consumed by guilt.
In the novel, the protagonist is a tragic heroine who sacrifices everything for love, only to face devastating consequences.

Meaning

In storytelling, a tragic heroine typically experiences a downfall that evokes pity and understanding from the audience, highlighting human vulnerability and the complexities of fate.