THE CONCEPT OF TRAGIC HERO IN SHAKESPEARE’S MAJOR TRAGEDIES

Abstract

This article explores the concept of the tragic hero in William Shakespeare’s major tragedies, focusing mainly on Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, and King Lear. The study analyzes how Shakespeare presents his protagonists as noble but flawed individuals whose personal weaknesses eventually lead to their downfall. Special attention is given to the ideas of ambition, pride, jealousy, indecision, and moral conflict as central elements of tragic characterization. The article also examines the influence of Aristotelian tragedy on Shakespeare’s dramatic structure and highlights the psychological depth of Shakespearean heroes. Through textual and comparative analysis, the research demonstrates that Shakespeare’s tragic heroes are not purely evil figures, but complex human beings whose internal struggles reflect universal human experiences. The article concludes that the tragic hero remains one of the most significant literary concepts because it reveals the relationship between human nature, destiny, and moral responsibility.