As outlined by Aristotle, tragic heroes need to conform to the set rules. Within these rules, it is claimed that tragic heroes should not be too good, as it might lead to the audience believing that their downfall was not fair. Secondly, tragic heroes should not be too bad, as might cause the audience to feel no sympathy for them (Gale 67). Thirdly, they should demonstrate that they have an intrinsic character, and this pushes them into doing something that makes them fall from grace (Gale 69).
From the Macbeth story, it is clear that he was a tragic hero, as he seems to meet the aforementioned qualities (Booth and Jost 139). He had virtues and qualities that were coupled with tragic flaws. Indeed, he was brave, confident,