What is a Tragic Hero in Screenwriting (with Examples)

In screenwriting, there are a ton of character archetypes you can use to build out the people you want in your story. If you’re trying to develop a character, they’re a good place to start.

When I’m trying to put the foundation together for my story, that’s where I usually start.

Recently, I was working on a new idea and wanted to incorporate a tragic hero. But when I would talk to people about the idea, they had no idea what I meant.

So today, I wanted to go through the concept of a tragic hero. We’ll define them, add some examples, and look at how you can find your own transformative arc for your screenplay.

Let’s dive in.

What is a Tragic Hero?

This foundational element of ancient Greek drama centers around the protagonist, who typically begins in a position of esteem or endeavors to attain greater social status. Throughout the narrative, we observe their character development as they eventually experience a decline, often resulting in their tragic downfall.

Why Use a Tragic Hero?

When I started my screenplay, my goal was to write a ‘guy cry’ movie that challenged me to write the reverse narrative I was used to. I spent so long working on movies and TV shows about people ascending, and us feeling good about it.

I wanted to see if I could use the same skills to show someone falling.

So, why else would you want to write one of these movies?

• Relatability: Despite their high status, tragic heroes are often relatable because their flaws are common human weaknesses.
• Complexity: They are not simply good or bad; they are complex characters with both strengths and weaknesses, making them more believable and engaging.
• Emotional Impact: Their downfall evokes strong emotions in the audience, such as pity, fear, and sadness, creating a powerful and memorable viewing experience.
• Themes: Tragic heroes allow screenwriters to explore complex themes such as fate, free will, morality, and the human condition.

The Elements of a Tragic Hero

If you’re sitting down to write a tragic hero, you want to just take a beat and list some stuff out. I like to start with creating a bio for the person. Get to know them and their hopes and dreams.

Diagram their reason to rise to the top, and start to outline the flaws that will lead to their tragic demise.

I love looking at the common elements in a lot of these characters and figuring out how I can subvert the tropes associated with these characters and put my own spin on this narrative.

Key Characteristics of a Tragic Hero:

• High Status or Noble Birth: They often start in a position of power, prominence, or respect within their society.
• Fatal Flaw: This is a critical character weakness, such as pride (hubris), ambition, or a lack of judgment, which ultimately leads to their downfall.
• Downfall: The tragic hero experiences a reversal of fortune, often triggered by their fatal flaw.
• Self-Awareness: At some point, the tragic hero realizes their mistakes and the role they played in their own downfall.
• Punishment Exceeds the Crime: The consequences the tragic hero suffers are often disproportionately severe compared to their actions.
• Catharsis: The audience experiences a sense of pity and fear, ultimately leading to a cathartic release of emotions.

Tragic Hero Examples

When it comes to examples of tragic heroes, there are tons across cinema and television. I went through history and pulled some of my favorites.

Classic Cinema:

• Charles Foster Kane (Citizen Kane): A media mogul whose relentless pursuit of power and love leaves him isolated and unfulfilled. His dying word, “Rosebud,” symbolizes the lost innocence he sacrificed for power.
• Rick Blaine (Casablanca): A cynical American expatriate who rediscovers his idealism and love. Rick sacrifices his own happiness for the greater good, letting Ilsa go with her husband to help the resistance.
• Norman Bates (Psycho): A motel owner driven to murder by his possessive mother complex, he’s a fun way to make the antagonist tragic.
• Michael Corleone (The Godfather): The reluctant heir to a Mafia empire, Michael initially seeks a life outside the family business. However, his sense of duty and desire to protect his loved ones draw him into a world of violence and corruption, ultimately destroying his soul. We love his character arc.

Modern Cinema:

• William Wallace (Braveheart): A Scottish warrior who leads his people in a rebellion against tyrannical English rule. His courage and unbridled passion lead to his capture and execution.
• Daniel Plainview (There Will Be Blood): An ambitious oilman consumed by greed ultimately destroys himself and his relationships.
• The Joker (Joker): A disturbed comedian with mental health problems who lets the weight of the world drive him to violence.
• Lester Burnham (American Beauty): A suburban man experiencing a midlife crisis rebels against societal expectations, which gets him killed.

Television:

• Walter White (Breaking Bad): A high school chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin, whose transformation is fueled by pride, ego, and a desire to provide for his family.
• Don Draper (Mad Men): An advertising executive with a mysterious past who struggles with identity, addiction, and the emptiness of success.
• Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones): Sold to a husband, she defied all logic to become queen and command dragons. But the violence of war and her ambition ultimately turned her evil, leading to her death by her one true love.

Summing Up The Tragic Hero in Screenwriting

Now that you know all about tragic heroes, it’s time for you to try to write them yourself. Put your time and energy into really building these characters out and getting their stories right.

When you nail them, you have the power to move executives and audiences and to get your screenplays discovered.

Wield it well.

Let us know what you think in the comments.