Aristotle's Characteristics (Macbeth)

Aristotle's Characteristics of Tragic Heros Story

Hamartia

The flaw that causes the hero’s downfall. EX. Excessive ambition with wanting power.

Hubris

Excessive pride, or disrespect for the natural order. EX. Macbeth kills people before their time only to serve his own greed.

Peripeteia

A reversal of fortune. EX. The moment Macbeth notices Birnam Wood “moving” toward the castle.

Anagnorisis

The moment when the hero makes a critical discovery. EX. The moment when Macbeth realizes that Macduff is not “born of woman” (wasn’t born naturally via C-Section) meaning that he can kill Macbeth.

Nemesis

A fate that can’t be avoided, usually as retribution for hubris. EX. Macbeth being beheaded because he became a traitor.

Catharsis

The feeling of pity or fear the audience experiences after the hero’s fall. EX. Macbeth being pushed into becoming a murderer by his wife; whole plot was set in motion by the witches’.