Mercutio: The TRAGIC HERO When we think about a tragic hero, a tragic hero has the potential for greatness but is doomed to fail. He is trapped in a situation where he cannot win. He has some sort of tragic flaw and this flaw is what causes his ultimate demise and untimely death.

Directions:

In the chart below, identify examples from the story that demonstrate how Mercutio represents a tragic hero. Be sure to quote evidence from the text and explain how that evidence supports each of the four character traits. Your evidence needs to be in red and your explanation must be in blue.

Tragic Hero Character Trait
Trait 1

The tragic hero is introduced and his tragic flaw is exposed.

Evidence:
Explanation:

Trait 2

The tragic hero’s flaw forces him to do something that is self-destructive.

Evidence:
Explanation:

Trait 3

The tragic hero has an “epiphany” (a moment of self-realization) when he realizes that he cannot fix his flaw and that things can never go back to the way they were before.

Evidence:
Explanation:

Trait 4

The tragic hero makes peace with his impending fate as he falls from grace, loses status, or dies

Evidence:
Explanation: