Tragic Hero Qualities Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is a tragic hero?

One who has a character flaw which causes them to act poorly or make poor decisions resulting in their downfall.

Which of the following qualities are typical of a tragic hero? (Select all that apply)

Noble and worthy of admiration (correct)

Undergoes a downfall (correct)

Immune to external conflicts

Victim of some weakness within themselves (correct)

What does a tragic hero realize before their downfall?

Their mistake and understanding of the tragic flaw.

What happens at the end of a tragedy regarding order?

The world has been purged of evil and is somehow a better place. Signup and view all the answers

What is the audience expected to feel for a tragic hero?

Pity Signup and view all the answers

What does catharsis refer to in a tragic play?

A healthy purging of strong emotion. Signup and view all the answers

Match the qualities with their descriptions:

Noble = Worthy of admiration Downfall = Undergoes a significant loss Victim of External Conflict = Faces challenges from outside forces Tragic Flaw = An inherent weakness that leads to failure Discovery = Realization of a mistake Restoration of Order = The world becomes better post-tragedy Pity = Identification with the tragic hero's suffering Catharsis = Emotional cleansing at the end of the play Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tragic Hero Overview

A tragic hero possesses a character flaw leading to poor decisions and eventual downfall.
Their journey often ends in a significant downfall, frequently resulting in death.

Key Qualities of a Tragic Hero

Noble and Worthy: Tragic heroes are generally of noble stature and have qualities that evoke admiration.
Downfall: They face a downfall often precipitated by their own actions or flaws.
External Conflict: Tragic heroes are victims of conflicts beyond their control, such as societal or familial pressures.
Tragic Flaw: They harbor an internal weakness, known as the tragic flaw, which contributes to their demise.

Insight and Transformation

Discovery: A pivotal moment occurs when the tragic hero recognizes their mistakes or acknowledges their tragic flaw before experiencing their downfall.
Restoration of Order: Ultimately, their fall serves a greater purpose, leading to a cleansing of evil and the improvement of the world around them.

Audience Connection

Pity: Audiences feel empathy for tragic heroes, seeing reflections of themselves within the characters, creating a shared emotional experience.
Catharsis: The conclusion of their story often evokes a release of strong emotions, allowing audiences to experience a sense of cleansing or emotional relief.

Description

Explore the essential qualities of a tragic hero through these informative flashcards. Each card highlights key attributes, including their noble status, internal and external conflicts, and the character flaws that lead to their downfall. Perfect for literature enthusiasts and students studying tragic literature.