Macbeth Tragic Hero Research Paper

Macbeth seems like the easiest person to choose when it comes to who is the most tragic hero in the play Macbeth, and that is simply because he is. Macbeth, the main character of the play, is absolutely the most tragic hero in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Firstly, Macbeth starts his journey into peril with one key hamartia that was at several times reinforced by his wife. Ambition would be the fatal flaw of Macbeth. Secondly, at the beginning of the story Macbeth is shown on another level than any of his contemporaries and was praised by king Duncan for his bravery. He continues to climb the ranks through his hamartia and soon reaches king status. Macbeth was already on a higher level than his peers, but soon became head and shoulders above the rest when he becomes king. Finally, the last reason for why Macbeth is the most tragic hero is because at first he is pretty content with himself and his role. However, he soon becomes too ambitious

Prior to becoming king and thane of cawdor, he was acknowledged as king Duncan’s best soldier. He was commended for his bravery in battle. This showed that Macbeth was just that much better than his peers from the very beginning. It really showed when he was named Thane of Cawdor, further solidifying being a step above. He was well liked by the people, his peers, and the king. Not only that, but he was effective at his job. It is no surprise he would be the one to have this title. Thane of Cawdor apparently wasn’t enough for him however, as he would slay the king in his slumber and advance from thane to king. Macbeth was even ahead of Duncan now, because Duncan is dead and Macbeth not only isn’t but also is king. In fact, Macbeth was on a higher level than anyone at this point. There is no position higher than king. The tyrant was just where he wanted to be externally, but events throughout the play show that he clearly wasn’t well