1. High Social Standing: They are often of noble birth, kings, queens, or individuals of great importance in society.
2. Tragic Flaw (Hamartia): A fatal flaw or weakness in their character that ultimately leads to their downfall. This flaw can be pride, ambition, jealousy, indecisiveness, or any other human failing.
3. Hubris (Excessive Pride): Often connected to the tragic flaw, hubris is an overwhelming sense of arrogance and self-importance that can lead to reckless actions.
4. Fate and Free Will: The tragic hero often struggles against fate or destiny, believing they can control their own lives. However, their choices and actions often align with the inevitable course of fate.
5. Internal Conflict: Tragic heroes often suffer from internal conflict, battling with their own thoughts, emotions, and choices. This conflict can be a key driver of their downfall.
6. Catharsis (Emotional Release): The audience experiences catharsis, a purging of emotions like pity and fear, through the hero's suffering and downfall. This process helps them to confront their own fears and weaknesses vicariously through the tragic hero.
7. Moral Ambiguity: Shakespearean tragic heroes are often complex individuals with both good and bad qualities. They are not simply villains, but flawed human beings who make mistakes that lead to their downfall.
8. Redemption or Acceptance: Some tragic heroes find a degree of redemption or acceptance before their death, while others die with a sense of regret and despair.
These characteristics contribute to the complex and enduring nature of Shakespearean tragedies. The tragic hero's downfall serves as a warning to the audience about the dangers of human flaws and the often-unpredictable nature of fate.