Classic tragic heroes in novels tend to be in a constant battle within themselves or against external forces. In 'Oedipus Rex', Oedipus is fated to kill his father and marry his mother. His attempts to avoid this fate, which is an external force, are in vain. He has pride, which is his flaw. This pride makes him not fully believe the prophecies until it's too late. Their downfall is not just a personal loss but also has a wider impact on the society or those around them.
One is Jay Gatsby from 'The Great Gatsby'. He is a tragic hero as his pursuit of the American Dream and his love for Daisy is in vain. His wealth and parties are just means to an end that he can never reach. Another is Heathcliff from 'Wuthering Heights'. His love for Catherine is thwarted by social class differences, and his vengeful actions lead to his own misery.
One tragic hero in novels is Jay Gatsby from 'The Great Gatsby'. He is a self - made man who throws lavish parties in the hopes of winning back his lost love, Daisy. His pursuit of the American Dream ultimately leads to his downfall as he is betrayed and killed. Another is Heathcliff in 'Wuthering Heights'. His love for Catherine is thwarted by class differences and his own vengeful nature, which causes him great suffering and those around him as well. Also, Hamlet in Shakespeare's play which is also a novel - like work. His indecision in avenging his father's murder leads to a series of tragedies including his own death.
Often they are passionate. They feel emotions deeply, like in 'The Scarlet Letter' where Arthur Dimmesdale's internal struggle with his love and guilt shows his passion.
One of the well - known tragic classic novels is 'Romeo and Juliet' by Shakespeare. It tells the tragic love story of two young lovers from feuding families. Another could be 'Madame Bovary' by Flaubert, which shows the disillusionment and downfall of the main character, Emma Bovary. And 'The Great Gatsby' can also be considered in a sense. Jay Gatsby's unfulfilled dreams and his ultimate fate are quite tragic.
One classic tragic novel is 'Romeo and Juliet' by William Shakespeare. It tells the story of two young lovers from feuding families whose love ends in death. Another is 'Madame Bovary' by Gustave Flaubert. The main character, Emma Bovary, is constantly dissatisfied with her life and makes poor choices that lead to her downfall. Also, 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald can be considered tragic. Gatsby's unrequited love for Daisy and his ultimate failure to achieve his dreams end in his tragic death.
Ruffian heroes in novels are often rebellious. They don't follow the normal social rules blindly. For example, in many adventure novels, they might steal from the rich to give to the poor, which is against the law but morally justifiable in their view.
Female heroes in novels often possess great courage. For example, Katniss in 'The Hunger Games' is not afraid to face the dangerous games and the powerful Capitol. They are also intelligent, like Hermione in 'Harry Potter' who is always the top of her class and can solve complex magical problems. Another characteristic is independence. Jane Eyre refuses to be a subservient woman and chooses her own path in life.
Intelligence is another characteristic. Take Lisbeth Salander from 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. She is a brilliant hacker and investigator. Her sharp mind allows her to solve difficult cases and expose the truth, even when facing powerful and corrupt opponents.
They are often tough - minded. For instance, Santiago in 'The Old Man and the Sea' shows incredible mental strength against the vast ocean and the big fish.
Anti - heroes in novels often have flaws and vices. They may not abide by the traditional moral code. For example, they could be selfish or cynical. They usually operate on their own terms, not those of society's ideals.