A tragic hero, according to Aristotle, is a character who is neither completely good nor completely evil, but rather a complex individual with both positive and negative qualities. This type of hero is often the main character in a tragedy, and their story typically involves a significant fall from grace.
According to Aristotle, a tragic hero must possess certain characteristics in order to fulfill their role as a tragic hero. Firstly, they must be of noble birth or high social standing, as their fall from grace must be significant in order to evoke a sense of pity and fear in the audience.
Secondly, the tragic hero must possess a tragic flaw, also known as a hamartia, which ultimately leads to their downfall. This flaw can be a character trait or a decision that the hero makes, but it must be an integral part of their character and not simply a coincidence.
Additionally, the tragic hero must undergo a reversal of fortune, or peripeteia, which causes them to lose their status and suffer. This reversal is often brought about by the tragic flaw, and it serves to create a sense of catharsis in the audience as they witness the hero's downfall.
Finally, the tragic hero must also experience recognition, or anagnorisis, in which they come to understand the true nature of their situation and the error of their ways. This recognition is often accompanied by a moment of self-awareness, in which the hero realizes the consequences of their actions and the weight of their tragic flaw.
In conclusion, a tragic hero, according to Aristotle, is a complex and multifaceted character who possesses both positive and negative qualities and experiences a significant fall from grace due to a tragic flaw. Their story evokes a sense of pity and fear in the audience, and ultimately serves to create a sense of catharsis through the recognition of their errors and the consequences of their actions.
