Aristotle's Definition of Tragedy:“Tragedy, then, is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; in language embellished with each kind of artistic ornament, the several kinds being found in separate parts of the play; in the form of action, not of narrative; with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish its katharsis of such emotions. . . . Every Tragedy, therefore, must have six parts, which parts determine its quality—namely, Plot, Characters, Diction, Thought, Spectacle, Melody.”
Further Details
According to Aristotle...a TRAGIC HERO...
...is a man of noble stature
...is not an ordinary man, but a man with outstanding quality and greatness about him
...His own destruction is for a greater cause or principle.
Common characteristics of a tragic hero
According to Aristotle:
1. Usually of noble birth
2. Hamartia – a.k.a. the tragic flaw that eventually leads to his downfall.
3. Peripeteia – a reversal of fortune brought about by the hero’s tragic flaw
4. His actions result in an increase of self- awareness and self-knowledge
5. The audience must feel pity and fear for this character.
