King Lear The Characteristics of a Tragic Hero
A classic tragedy follows a specific format in terms of plot and character. The plot is a series of
complicated events that leads to catastrophe (disaster) for the hero, where a reversal of fate
occurs. The hero in a classic tragedy is called a tragic hero; throughout the play he goes through
specific stages.
Using the chart below, trace King Lear’s journey as a tragic hero using evidence (quotations and
examples) from the play to support each stage he goes through.
Characteristic
A tragic hero is an exceptional, honourable
person. He is of noble stature and birth.
A tragic hero is good, but not perfect. His
downfall is a result of an act of injustice.
A tragic hero possesses a character flaw
(tragic flaw) that is the cause of his unjust
action, and becomes fatal to him and
others.
The punishment the hero receives far
exceeds what he deserves.
The tragic hero suffers and dies, but not
before gaining self-knowledge.
At the end of the play, the tragic hero
is an example of how not to behave.
Evidence from Play