Final answer:
A royal birth is traditionally seen as honorable, yet in the context of classic tragedy, characters of noble birth can possess a tragic flaw. Aristotle's idea of noble characters in tragedy aims to deliver moral lessons, by showing that even those of high status are not immune to human fallibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of a royal birth are traditionally considered to be honorable due to the societal structure and values, particularly during the Middle Ages, as seen in Britain's monarchy. However, according to Aristotelian principles of classic tragedy, characters of noble birth, including royals, could have a tragic flaw (hamartia) that eventually leads to their downfall.
The purpose of having noble characters in tragedies is to serve as effective moral lessons to the audience; even individuals of the highest status are susceptible to human weaknesses and ethical dilemmas that can lead to tragic consequences. The heroic journey often includes the recognition and acceptance of one's tragic flaw, which is essential to the plot of classic tragedies like Sophocles' Antigone.