Macbeth Glossary

Tragic hero

a character that makes a judgement or error that inevitably leads to their own destruction

Struggle between good and evil

a universal part of the human condition

Harmatia

a fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero/heroine

External conflict

a struggle that takes place between the main character and an outside force

Internal conflict

refers to a character’s internal struggle. This could be emotional or mental

Supernatural elements

beings such as witches, ghosts and animals that are used to create mood or enhance the story

Comic relief

when the author uses humour to break the tension or heavy mood of a tragic plot

Lack of poetic justice

when virtue is punished and viciousness is rewarded - normally the opposite of what it should be