1. Moral complexity: The hero should have a mix of good and bad traits, making them relatable to the audience. They should be capable of making virtuous decisions but also susceptible to flaws and weaknesses.
2. Social significance: The hero's struggles and journey should reflect broader societal issues and resonate with the contemporary world. Their plight should offer insights into the human condition and the challenges faced by individuals in a complex society.
3. Empathy: The audience should be able to empathize with the protagonist, understanding their motivations and desires, even when their choices lead to tragic consequences.
4. Universality: The hero's story should transcend cultural and geographical boundaries and speak to fundamental human experiences. The themes explored in the play should resonate with audiences regardless of their background or circumstances.
5. Tragic flaw: The hero's journey should ultimately culminate in a downfall brought about by a specific flaw or character trait. This flaw should be an integral part of the hero's nature, not a mere external circumstance, and should lead to a powerful catharsis for the audience.
6. Sense of fate or inevitability: The play should subtly suggest that the hero is doomed to fail, despite their best efforts and noble intentions. The sense of fate or inevitability adds to the tragic impact and intensifies the audience's emotional connection to the protagonist.
7. Heroic qualities: Despite their flaws and weaknesses, the tragic hero should possess admirable qualities that evoke admiration from the audience. Their struggles should reveal a deep sense of morality, courage, and resilience, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
8. Relevance to contemporary issues: The tragic hero's journey should mirror the concerns, anxieties, and aspirations of the modern world. By presenting a nuanced exploration of pressing social or psychological issues, the play can prompt important discussions and self-reflection among the audience.
9. Catharsis and emotional impact: The play should conclude with a powerful emotional release or catharsis, where the audience experiences a profound sense of pity and fear, as Aristotle suggested. The tragic hero's downfall should evoke empathy and introspection, leaving the audience with a renewed understanding of human nature and the complexities of life.
By incorporating these elements, Arthur Miller believed modern playwrights could create tragic heroes that resonate deeply with contemporary audiences, providing a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging theatrical experience.