Tragic Element Example in Text

A Tragic Hero A tragic hero in a Shakespearean tragedy is a

person of high regard and importance, and has a
fatal character flaw/shortcoming, and is set on an
inescapable path by destiny. Eg. Macbeth

A Struggle between good and evil Shakespearean tragedies are fundamentally stories
of good vs evil. In his plays, he seems to suggest
that evil forces are unavoidable, but if we submit
to them, it will only end badly.

Hamartia Hamartia is our hero’s fatal flaw or shortcoming

that facilitates their undoing.

External Conflict At the beginning the play, a hero is just basically a

hero, who is revered and respected, until an
external conflict comes along. This sets off his
hamartia, and lures him into making poor choices

Internal Conflict This refers to the battle that our tragic hero has
with himself. His choices inevitably end up
ensuring his demise.

Supernatural Elements The reinforce as a sense of mystery, wonder and

often fear in the storyline, as well as providing
powerful sources of conflict. Witches in Macbeth
provide external conflict but also interfere in
events. Ghosts can add to infernal conflict as they
taunt our hero.
Catharsis This is an emotional release. When we watch a
good man fall victim to his own poor decisions, we
relate to him and emphasize. This is what makes
the tragedy so profound for audiences.

Tragic Waste In a tragedy, when good is destroyed along with

the evil, the loss is known as “tragic waste”

Lack of Poetic Justice In Shakespearean tragedies, being a good guy

does not ensure a happy ending. The good guys
suffer just like the villains, and sometimes the
villain gets away with his wrongdoings.