The Hero, The Tragic Hero, and The Anti-Hero

The Traditional HeroTraditionally a hero is a character who possesses a strong moral fiber. This character seems to always do the right thing, no matter what.A hero has a strong conviction, is dynamic, and/or has a certain magnetism that engages readers. A hero does not necessarily complete his/her journey on their own, but they are the central character.

Tragic Hero BackgroundA tragic hero is often used in Shakespearean literature.This hero may not always be a “good guy”.

Tragic Hero TraitsThe tragic hero is someone we, as an audience, look up to—someone superior.The tragic hero is nearly perfect, and we identify with him/her.The hero has one flaw or weaknessWe call this the ‘tragic flaw’, ‘fatal flaw’, or hamartia

Reversal of Fortune 

The ‘fatal flaw’ brings the tragic hero down from his/her elevated state.Renaissance audiences were familiar with the ‘wheel of fortune’ or ‘fickle fate’.

What goes up, must come down.

The Anti-HeroThe Anti-Hero is often used in darker literature.The Anti-Hero is more used in modern literature as authors try to portray villains as complex characters.An Anti-Hero relates to a reader because the Anti-Hero seems more human than other heroes.An Anti-Hero may try to do what is right by using questionable actions.

Anti-Hero TraitsAnti-Heroes can be obnoxious. Anti-Heroes can be pitiful. Anti-Heroes can be awkward. Anti-Heroes can be passive.    

Types of Anti-HeroSome Anti-Heroes may be unable to commit to traditional values of society. 

They distrust society. Another type of Anti-Hero cannot “get a break” in life. 

He/she will move from one disappointment to another and end in failure.