Tragic Hero What qualities generate a hero? Must heroes possess superhuman abilities? In the Greek era, heroism was much more practical. According to Aristotle, a tragic hero must be royal. He/she must be a good, moral person. Yet, every tragic hero must exhibit flaws. His/her flaws must lead to downfall. A hero must be punished or experience suffering. He/she must invoke catharsis into the audience. A tragic hero must recognize his/her wrongs and accept all consequences. Beyond all doubt, Antigone is a tragic hero. Obviously, Antigone is royal. She is Eteocles, Polyneices and Ismene's sister. Plus, she is Creon's niece....
never absolved of his sins, and he never faces them. Furthermore, the audience did not feel catharsis when watching Creon. People were not afraid for Creon, they were afraid of him! Therefore, Creon is not a tragic hero.

Consequently, Antigone is a tragic heroine. Antigone is royal. She is not totally good or bad. She played a hand in her own death by demonstrating critical lapses in judgment. Antigone invoked catharsis into the audience. Most importantly, Antigone comprehended her errors. By meeting Aristotle's requirements, Antigone accomplished the desirable title of tragic heroine. Nevertheless, "A fortune won is often misfortune."