Today, we are looking at tragic heroes. To not offend anyone and keep this interesting for everyone, we are sticking to fictional characters. I just realized I haven't posted about tragic heroes before. I will devote an entire post to the definition of a tragic hero later. For now, though, a tragic hero is basically someone who could be a traditional hero, but makes the wrong decision and usually dies as a result.
Beware! Spoilers included!
Bellerophon
Bellerophon was sent to accomplish multiple strenuous tasks, and once he came back victorious, received much glory and honor. However, he got increasingly prideful, and decided to fly Pegasus to Mount Olympus. The gods got mad at him because no mortal was as great as a god. So, they sent a fly to sting Pegasus, and Bellerophon got thrown off Pegasus's back, crippled for the rest of his life.
Anakin Skywalker
In the chronological first three Star Wars movies, we meet Anakin Skywalker, a young slave. As Anakin grows up, it is apparent he has great power in the Force, and as a result, has great potential. However, he continually lets his anger get out of control and makes the wrong choice. Eventually, the lure of the Dark Side is too strong for him, and he joins the Dark Side.
Gatsby
Jay Gatsby, in The Great Gatsby is a millionaire, and moves into a mansion near Daisy and Tom Buchanan. The story is told from the viewpoint of Nick Carraway, Daisy's cousin. Daisy and Gatsby dated when they were younger, and Gatsby hopes Daisy will fall in love with him again. They have an affair, and in the end, Gatsby is killed because of this.
Macbeth
Macbeth, from William Shakespeare's Macbeth, starts out as an honorable noble, but when he receives a prophecy he will become king, he kills the king to fulfill the prophecy and makes himself a tyrant. He continues to spiral downward, and is eventually killed.
Who are some tragic heroes you've heard of? Who's your favorite tragic hero?
Spruce Nogard
*Actually posted on June 1st. See here for details.
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