1. The Hero, The Tragic Hero, and The Anti-Hero

2. The Traditional Hero • Traditionallya 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.

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

4. Tragic Hero Traits • The 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 weakness • We call this the ‘tragic flaw’, ‘fatal flaw’, or hamartia

5. 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.

6. The Anti-Hero • The 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.

7. Anti-Hero Traits • Anti-Heroes can be obnoxious.  • Anti-Heroes can be pitiful.  • Anti-Heroes can be awkward.  • Anti-Heroes can be passive. 

8. Types of Anti-Hero • Some 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.