Characteristics Of A Tragic Hero

Often we wonder what makes a person a hero. Sometimes we think of comic book heroes who perform miraculous feats, or even everyday people such as firefighters, military servicemen, or search and rescue individuals. Our concept of hero originally rose from the Greek philosopher, Aristotle who stated, “A tragic hero can be known to be great or virtuous character in a dramatic tragedy who destined to downfall, suffering, or defeat” (Tragic Hero). To be a tragic hero one must go through so many obstacles and death sentences and never lose faith or be a coward. One also might have a prophecy to fulfill. These four men are considered tragic heroes; Achilles, Hector, Beowulf, and sir Hamlet.

One trait that we see in heroes; they are born of nobility.

The Greeks know Achilles as a demigod. Legend states his mother had dipped him in the River Styx. The Greeks always admired Achilles. Then along came Agamemnon, starting the Trojan War. After much Greek suffering, Agamemnon agreed to the recommendation of Calchas the Seer, but only on the condition that he take possession of the war prize of Achilles -- Briseis -- as a replacement. Achilles then decided that when Agamemnon needed him most he still would not be there. This being said, he sat on the sidelines until the battle came to his ship. Everyone loved him so much they all tried to get him to come join them in the war against the Trojans, but he refused. Being prophesied to kill Hector, Achilles finally entered battle. Achilles also killed Hector as vengeance for killing Patroclus (Agamemnon). As for Hector, he became the Chief of the Trojan army. Hector represented as an ideal warrior and the mainstay of Troy. He had drawn in most favorable colors as a good son, a loving husband and father, and a trusty friend. His leave-taking and departure to meet Achilles for the last time are moving. He became a special favorite of the god Apollo (Hector). As for Beowulf, he became loved by many in his homeland, Scandinavia Denmark. Beowulf would be the only warrior to fight for his homeland and the people in it. Other warriors would go with him on his journeys, but would never help him. When Beowulf needed help only one

Facing supernatural foes and receiving supernatural help, Achilles’ had help from his mother, the goddess of water. Achilles’ mother dipped him in the River Styx as a child thus making him a demigod. His mother managed to cover his whole body, except the heel of his foot. This became the only way Achilles could be killed. Achilles would have other gods come to him in the battle with Troy. They would give him advice or it would just be his mother repeating the prophecy made about him. Achilles died because Apollo the god of archery helped Paris shoot an arrow into Achilles’ weak spot, the heel of his foot. This killed Achilles (Supernatural). As for Hector, he had help from Ares the god of war. When all of the gods and goddesses came to battle to help their favorites, Hector and Ares fought side by side. Diomedes being the only one who could see the gods and goddesses, knew when they were on the battlefield. He had witnessed Ares helping Hector. Then after that day Hector went back to where his wife and son were, and told them to pray to the gods because they might never see him again. The prophecy states that Achilles was going kill him. Hector and his family asked the gods to help him. Athena, the goddess of wisdom, disguised herself as Deiphobus to persuade Achilles to stop running. When Hector met Achilles he requested a pact, that they would return each other