The theme of the tragic hero runs through much of classic literature, from the ancient Greeks to Shakespeare and beyond. In understanding the concept of the tragic hero, it is important to understand the criteria as set forth by Aristotle. According to that illustrious philosopher, there are six major elements required to construct a tragedy. To begin with, these heroes (or heroines) must have a noble stature, excessive pride, and tragic flaw. These three character traits combined must then lead our character to his or her downfall, from which they make an admission of their guilt and are then redeemed in the end. In analyzing the play Othello, we find such a tragic hero in the title character. In his final words, Othello confesses that he has “loved not wisely, but too well” (V, ii, 353). This insight goes a long way toward explaining Othello’s character. It is because of where he’s placed his love that he behaves the way he does. He is a hero because of his ability to act according to what love dictates and is brought to his ruin because of where that love had been placed. Generally, heroism refers to a character that embodies our concepts of what is good and noble in the human race (Vest, 2002). Othello is a good example of this as he has risen, through his hard effort, from the pits of slavery to the General of the Venetian ships. “I fetch my life and being / From men of royal siege [rank]; and my demerits [deserts] / May speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune / As this that I have reached [are equal to]” (21-23). In addition, the Duke himself calls upon Othello at times of great need as in “Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you / Against the general enemy Ottoman” (48-49). However, Othello’s nobility lies not just on the surface level of his position in society, but in his moral judgment as to when he is faced with an angry father and his warlike supporters: “Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them / Good signior, you shall more command with years / Than with your weapons” (59-61). It is thus in his love for Desdemona that his nobility shines through. In this statement, his nobility shines through as he defends his wife’s honor, acknowledges the respect owed to his elders, and refuses to cross swords with them. All classic heroes also have an element of excessive pride, which contributes to their downfall as they become unable to discern truth from reality (McAlindon, 2002). Although it is harder to see in Othello because he is working to keep his speech humble, this same pride is evident as one of his foundational characteristics, but perhaps somewhat justly earned. In relating the history of his love affair with Desdemona, he tells the men he was asked by Desdemona’s father to relate his personal history: “I ran it through, even from my boyish days / To th’ very moment that he bade me tell it. / Wherein I spoke of most disastrous chances, / Of moving accidents by flood and field; / Of hairbreadth scapes i’ th’ imminent deadly breach; / Of being taken by the insolent foe / And sold to slavery; of my redemption thence / And portance in my travels’ history;” (132-39). However, his greatest pride is placed in his power to love – his loyalty. Characters must be re-established in the eyes of the community to be considered true tragic heroes. Othello, having finally understood the chain of events that led to his wrongful killing of Des