Aristotle's Tragic Hero

Question 1

What are Aristotle’s three characteristics of a tragic hero?

Answer 1

1) not “preeminent in virtue and justice” but isn’t guilty of “vice or depravity” - not saintly and virtuous but not a horrible person
2) person of some importance, from a “highly renowned and prosperous place”
3) moves the hero from prosperity to misfortune, occasioned not by depravity, but by some great mistake he makes

Question 2

what are the four essential qualities of the tragic hero?

Answer 2

• goodness (makes good choices for the most part)
• appropriateness (must fit the molds they are supposed to fill - men manly and domineering, women weak and feminine)
• lifelike (believable, true to life - like a real human being)
• consistency (shouldn’t suddenly change once character is established)