Question

What common character trait do tragic heroes share?

a. They must fight fate in order to make their own decisions.
b. They have a flaw that will ultimately lead to their undoing.
c. They commit terrible crimes to satisfy their ambitions.
d. They are unusually strong and powerful warriors.

Answer 1

The answer that prevails in most cases is: B. They have a fatal flaw that will ultimately lead to their undoing.

Answer 2

Answer: b. They have a flaw that will ultimately lead to their undoing.

The most common characteristic of tragic heroes is the fact that, although excellent in every other way, they have a tragic flaw that will eventually lead to their undoing. This is also known by the term hamartia. Some common examples are Othello's jealousy or Hamlet's indecisiveness.