The tragedy narrative isn’t going anywhere. Although other genres tend to outperform the tragedy in commercial success, the story of the tragic hero is a tale we always enjoy. Why is that? Why do we like watching a character try so hard to get what he or she wants, only to see them crash and burn? Is it our jealousy of someone who has it all or is it something else entirely?
I believe we enjoy tragedies because we can connect with the tragic hero more than any other character in fiction. When we read literature or watch a film we do more than just follow the main character—we connect with him or her on a personal level because we want to see people get what they want. And it is that personal level that bonds us when we witness that hero fall from grace. Read more to realize why you love a good story about a hero’s misfortune.
Our Emotional Connection to a Tragic Hero
Above all else, whatever is said or written, the audience loves a tragedy because we are empathetic creatures. Within a piece of fiction, we follow the ups and downs of characters. We get to know them, for good or bad. Regardless if a story revolves around the emotional goal of a hero or a sympathetic villain, the audience wants to see that character achieve his or her goals. It is innate within us. We want to see other people happy and succeed. Even though they are characters in a novel or film, we want to see other people we deem good get what they want. It is our empathy we have for others that draws us to the tragic hero’s narrative.
But does it go deeper than that?…YES.
And some may say this reason is selfish, but I disagree.
We enjoy tragedy narratives because we reflect on our own lives through the issues and dilemmas the character endures.
The Power of Reflection
All art teaches a lesson. Art is actually more of a method to educate than it is for observation, especially literature. (You can click here for more information about that.)
A general tale of a tragic hero usually begins with a character who is already suffering in some way that limits their ability to get what they want. They might not even know what they want at the beginning of the story. Sometimes, it is only as the story unfolds does the hero realizes what he or she wants. Whatever the method, the hero has a severe uphill battle.
It is within this struggle that we, the reader/viewer, formulate an emotional bond. We want to see the hero achieve his or her goal because we want to achieve our goal.
This is the key.
We don’t only follow the hero. We ARE the hero.
We are with the hero when he or she tries to accomplish something they have been wanting during the whole story. And therefore, as we are there for their trek, we desperately hope that we accomplish our goals. Whatever our goals, large or small, they matter quite a lot to us. Even the smallest of goals could have a huge and immediate impact on us. We sympathize with the hero who wants something important in their lives.
And this reflection of ourselves as the hero goes through his or her journey is solidified in tragedy when (usually in the final act) the hero goes from heroic to tragic. (Because technically, it is never known that a story is a tragedy until the reader finishes the story. Until that point, the narrative is simply a hopeful adventure that we assume will work out fine.)
When the hero doesn’t accomplish his or her goals for whatever reason, we feel it deeply. We invested our empathy hoping that the main character will succeed, only to see it crumble. We are not happy because like I said, we (sub) consciously hope to accomplish our own goals.
So, does this unhappy ending signify that we will not overcome any obstacles in our own lives?
Absolutely not. In fact, emotion typically becomes stronger due to our experience with disappointments. When a character doesn’t meet his or her goals, we feel a real connection to them, knowing that life is not fair—even for characters in a story.
It is this realization that bonds us with a tragic hero in a comforting way. A tragedy lets us know that we are not alone during our pitfalls and mishaps. Even a hero can experience tragedy.
The Power of Catharsis
Dictionary.com defines catharsis as “An experience of emotional release and purification, often inspired by or through art. In psychoanalysis, catharsis is the release of tension and anxiety that results from bringing repressed feelings and memories into consciousness.”
A tragic narrative does this and more. Ancient Greek powerhouse philosopher Aristotle believed that through a tragedy’s catharsis the audience will experience pity. And on the surface, it seems pointless to know pity. Pity isn’t an emotion humans seek out or enjoy experiencing. However, this pity caused by catharsis has a meaning that relates to my previously mentioned points.
When a hero falls into a tragic moment or ends his or her story in a very tragic finale, it is the sorrow—the pity—we have for that character that wants to help them. We obviously cannot help them, but we know that if and when we are in a situation similar, we hope that someone will help us. It is the catharsis that draws us to tragic heroes. And it is through the catharsis that we reflect within ourselves, our own experiences. Experiencing a tragic narrative is an extension of self-pity that helps us grow.
Catharsis for a tragic hero, in the end, makes us a better person because we can actualize catharsis by helping other people in our lives.
Related Questions
What is Peripetia and how does it contribute to a tragedy?
Dictionary.com defines Peripetia as “a sudden turn of events or an unexpected reversal, especially in a literary work.”
Once again, Aristotle claims Peripetia is vital for a tragedy. This “sudden turn of events,” however, must be negative. Remember, something terrible must befall a hero for him or her to be tragic.
A writer must use Peripetia in a very clever way. This moment cannot appear announced. What I mean is, for peripetia to truly work as a technique that draws out catharsis from the reader, then a good writer should have planted seeds along the way. Using peripetia is no different than a mystery writer planting clues for the reader to solve before the sleuth. The trick is to make those clues or those moments leading to peripetia seemingly non-important to the reader. When they experience the turn of events, they should be able to recall the important clues they missed.
Who are some examples of a tragic hero?
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Walter White
- Breaking Bad’s main protagonist. As a man with newly-diagnosed cancer, he begins a secret life as a drug dealer. This spirals his life out of control as he is forced to make choices that will further ruin his life.
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Darth Vader
- As seen in the prequels, Anakin Skywalker (Vader) fell from grace because he allowed himself to be influenced by the Dark Side. He loses his way as a promising Jedi and is responsible for his wife’s death. His change to Darth Vader symbolizes his tragedy.
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Hamlet
- With the murder of his father, Hamlet begins an investigation of those in his inner circle. He discovers that his father was murdered and it was because his uncle wanted to assume power and marry Hamlet’s mother. During a complex finale, Hamlet’s loved ones die and so does he.
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