ENG4U1 A Study of Hamlet: The Six Qualities of a TragicHero

  • A Definition of Tragedy: A drama or literary work in which the main character is brought to ruin or suffers extreme sorrow, especially as a consequence of a tragic flaw, moral weakness, or inability to cope with unfavourable circumstances.
  • A Definition of a Tragic Hero: The protagonist and driving force of a tragic drama.
  • In his book, Shakespearean Tragedy, A.C. Bradley presents several characteristics typical of Shakespearean ‘heroes’ like Hamlet. First, they are all exceptional beings in that they are people of high social standing or of public importance. They are often kings or military leaders; thus, their downfalls have great consequences, often affecting the welfare of entire nations. Second, Shakespearean heroes cause their own downfalls. The calamities in a Shakespearean tragedy do not just happen by accident, nor are they sent from above. Rather, they proceed from the hero’s own destructive actions. Lastly, Shakespearean tragic heroes always possess a “tragic flaw,” a character trait that contributes to their ultimate demise.
  • This tragic flaw can be described in many ways, but it can generally be characterized by the hero possessing a definite predisposition toward one particular action. As the play proceeds, the hero will begin directing his entire efforts toward one interest or object. He becomes, in time, incapable of thinking clearly. Thus, this tragic flaw ultimately results in the unfortunate downfall (and death) of the hero.

The Six Qualities of a Tragic Hero:

1. Nobility:A member of the nobility, and therefore has a higher social status than

that of an average person in the play (begins at a high-point in his career).

2. A Reversal of Fortune: The tragic hero must go from an extremely high point in

their life and career to a horribly low point. The Greek work

“peripeteia” refers to this unfortunate reversal of fortune.

3. Recognition: The tragic hero must develop from a state of ignorance to a state of

knowledge, therefore achieving enlightenment. However, this

knowledge is often discovered too late or it is the actual cause of their

ultimate demise.

4. Tragic Flaw: The tragic hero possesses a fatal character flaw, which leads him to a

lapse in judgement or a series of poor decisions that brings about his

ultimate downfall. The Greek word “hamartia” refers to this tragic

flaw.

5. Tragic Irony:Although the tragic hero is initially a likeable person who possesses

the potential for good, and who develops significantly throughout the

play, this development (and all moments of recognition) are ultimately

wasted, because the hero cannot live with his newfound knowledge

and state of being. As a result, he must face his inevitable fate.

6. Catharsis: The sudden emotional climax that evokes in the reader/audience, a great

sense of pity, fear or a dramatic emotional change, which usually results

in a newfound sense of loss, ultimately feeling the waste of the tragic

hero’s potential greatness.

PREDICTION ACTIVITY:

Based on what we already know about Prince Hamlet and his circumstances at this early point in the play (before he has even spoken his first line of dialogue), predictFOUR character traits that Hamlet might possess, and what mental/emotional state you think he will be in when he is introduced to the audience in Act I, scene ii. Brainstorm your predictions in the space provided below.