Tragic heroes have been used throughout literature. Some of the first examples of tragic heroes can be found in Greek plays, were tragedies were first produced. A tragic hero always has potential for greatness, but because of their own nature-and often their situation-they are doomed to failure. The tragic hero will commit a tragic flaw, which in turn will cause their fall from greatness. Often, although the tragic hero is vanquished, he has won some kind of moral victory and lives on in spirit. Hamlet’s the Prince of Denmark and the son of Queen Gertrude and the late King Hamlet, and the nephew of the present king, Claudius. Hamlet is melancholy, bitter, and cynical, full of hatred for his uncle’s scheming and disgust for his mother’s sexuality. He is thoughtful and reflective young man who has studied at the University of Wittenberg. He is often indecisive and hesitant, but at other times prone to rash and impulsive acts. What truly makes Hamlet a tragic hero is the fact that he was of noble birth, had a tragic flaw, and in the end was basically doomed by his tragic flaw.
One of the characteristic that define a tragic hero is that they are of noble birth. Hamlet was born into nobility, he was King Hamlet’s heir and the direct descendant of the throne after Claudius. Hamlet was loyal to his father and he was determined to set right the state of Denmark. “ Haste me know’t, that I, with wings as swift as meditation or the thoughts of love, may sweep to my revenge” (Hamlet, Act 1. Scene 5, line 35-line 37) In this quote, Hamlet is speaking to his father’s ghost and wants to know the details of the crime so that he may avenge his father. Along with being loyal and trying to set right the state of his kingdome, Hamlet was also extremely popular and well loved among peers, family, and citizens alike. “ He’s loved of the distracted multitude.” (Hamlet, Act 4. Scene 3, line 4) D Besides Hamlet being of noble birth, his ...