What is tragic flaw?

In literature, a tragic flaw is a character trait that leads to the downfall of the protagonist. This flaw is often a result of the protagonist's excessive pride or ambition. For example, in the play "Hamlet," the protagonist Hamlet is too proud to avenge his father's death immediately. This delay allows Claudius, the king who killed Hamlet's father, to solidify his power and ultimately to kill Hamlet.

Tragic flaws are common in Greek tragedies and in Shakespearean tragedies. In ancient Greek tragedy, the tragic flaw was often seen as a result of fate or divine intervention. In Shakespearean tragedy, the tragic flaw is often a result of the protagonist's own character traits.

Tragic flaws can be seen as a way for authors to explore the human condition. By showing how even great people can be brought down by their own flaws, authors can remind us of the fragility of human life and the importance of humility.

Here are some examples of tragic flaws:

* Pride: Oedipus, the protagonist of Sophocles' play "Oedipus Rex," is too proud to believe that he could have killed his own father. This pride leads him to refuse to investigate the murder of Laius, his father, and ultimately to his downfall.

* Ambition: Macbeth, the protagonist of Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," is too ambitious to be king. This ambition leads him to murder King Duncan and ultimately to his downfall.

* Greed: Faustus, the protagonist of Christopher Marlowe's play "Doctor Faustus," is too greedy for knowledge. This greed leads him to make a pact with the devil and ultimately to his downfall.

Tragic flaws are an essential part of many great works of literature. By exploring the human condition, authors can remind us of the fragility of human life and the importance of humility.