Aristotle’s Definition of a
Tragic Hero
Essential Questions
To what extent does Okonkwo fit
Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero?
What flaw leads to his downfall?
Aristotle first defined tragedy in his book Poetics written
in about 330 BC:
“an imitation of an action
that is serious, complete,
and of a certain magnitude;
in language embellished
with each kind of artistic
ornament, the several kinds
being found in separate
parts of the play; in the
form of action, not of
narrative; through pity and
fear affecting the proper
purgation of these
emotions”
Aristotelian Tragedy
In Plain English…
• Tragedy is any serious and dignified
drama that describes a conflict between
the hero (protagonist) and a superior
force (destiny, chance, society, god) and
reaches a sorrowful conclusion that
arouses pity or fear in the audience.
The Tragic Hero
•
Is a person who is great and admirable in both
his abilities and opportunities; someone the
audience looks up to.
• Is a person so highly placed in society that his
actions involve the well-being of all its members.
• Always capable of greatness
Tragic Hero Trait #1
The hero has a mixture of good and
bad in his personality.
Tragic Hero Trait #2
He has a fatal flaw, or hamartia,
which leads to his downfall.
Tragic Hero Trait #3
He usually goes on a journey or
participates in a quest.
Tragic Hero Trait #4
He has a large capacity for
suffering.
Tragic Hero Trait #5
His downfall is often preceded
by self-realization.