Macbeth as a Tragic Hero

A tragic hero is defined as a person who holds a seat of authority or power, but is doomed to eventually fall. The hero's tragic flaw, usually hubris or hamartia (excessive pride and rashness respectively), results in a spiraling downfall. Macbeth exemplifies these characteristics of a tragic hero. He is of noble birth and succumbs to hubris and his ambitious nature. By being victimized by not only the witches, but also his wife and the …

…and power from Thane of Glamis, to Thane of Cawdor, and eventually became King of Scotland after murdering Duncan. He had achieved his goal of becoming King. His pride, however, clouded his judgement and perception, therefore leading to his downfall and eventual death. But because he was victimized by both his wife and the witches, the reader is still able to feel sympathy towards Macbeth. These many characteristics unmistakeably classify Macbeth as a tragic hero.