According to Aristotle, a tragic hero is "a [great] man who is neither a paragon of virtue and justice nor undergoes the change to misfortune through any real badness or wickedness but because of some mistake." (Poetics, by Aristotle)
It’s tempting to see ourselves as a tragic hero/heroine.
We are basically good--but not perfect, well-intentioned--but with a few flaws. Of course we have made mistakes, who hasn’t? Some people just get lucky despite their human flaws. We could do great things, if it weren’t for our external circumstances/fate.
Imagining ourselves in the role of the tragic hero/heroine allows us to feel less responsible for whatever happens. It enables us to indulge in self-pity as well as seek sympathy from others. It permits us to disengage from taking ownership for our choices.
“Everywhere man blames nature and fate; yet his fate is mostly but the echo of his character and passion, his mistakes and his weaknesses.” (Democritus)
If we acknowledge that our external circumstances are influenced by our character, passion, mistakes, and weaknesses--then we realize that our decisions play a big part in our destiny. This can be a frightening revelation. It can also be empowering. Every choice, big or small, that we make today can change the trajectory of our story. It can also impact the lives of those around us. So let us lay aside this role of tragic heroine. Instead, let us become empowered heroines who take responsibility for the effects of our choices and actions.
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