1. Hamartia (Fatal Flaw): Proctor's fatal flaw lies in his pride, stubbornness, and desire to maintain his reputation and social standing. He initially refuses to confess to his affair, even when his life is at stake, due to his pride and fear of being publicly shamed.
2. Catharsis: Tragic heroes often undergo a moment of profound emotional purification and self-awareness. In Proctor's case, this catharsis occurs during his final conversations with Elizabeth and Hale. He recognizes and acknowledges the mistakes he has made and the consequences of his actions.
3. Reversal of Fortune: John Proctor's life takes a tragic turn when he is ultimately arrested, tried, and sentenced to death for witchcraft. This reversal of his circumstances signifies the tragic consequences of his decisions and the tragic nature of his downfall.
4. Hubris: Proctor is driven by his desire to clear his name and regain his social standing, but ultimately, his pride prevents him from making a crucial compromise and accepting Abigail's apology.
5. Suffering and Recognition: Proctor experiences intense suffering as he faces the prospect of his execution. However, in his final moments, he arrives at a profound recognition of his faults and shortcomings. This self-awareness elevates him beyond his earlier pride and stubbornness.
While John Proctor's journey doesn't culminate in redemption or a positive outcome, his character embodies many of the essential traits and qualities associated with tragic heroes. His struggle, inner conflict, and eventual downfall elicit a sense of pity, fear, and catharsis in the audience, thus fulfilling many essential elements of the tragic hero archetype.