Tragedy Archetypes

Sacrificial hero

Seen as good, takes action to benefit a cause or others although they suffer in the end, for example Prometheus

Hero stands up to their suffering

human mistake, suffering is more than the hero deserves, stands up for themselves and becomes a better person, ex, “The Tunnel”

Death as a release

Force is too powerful and continuing to live is not logical for hero, world becomes unreal, for example Paul’s Case

Loss of innocence

Hero consents to loss of innocence and discovers evil, for example Adam and Eve

Destruction of innocent life

Something good or innocent is destroyed, for example Actaeon

Tragic flaw

Hero has a strong belief or trait that does not waver and this causes their suffering, for example Antigone