Macbeth is a tragic hero because his character "fits" the characteristics of a tragic hero as Shakespeare developed the model. Therefore, to examine Macbeth as a tragic hero, it is necessary to review the idea of the tragic hero. In Shakespeare's tragedies, the tragic hero is a man who holds a high place in society, one who is exemplary and well respected. From this "high place," he falls by making decisions that result in his own destruction.
The tragedy of his destruction lies in his "fatal flaw," a flaw in his own character that brings him down. In other words, his tragedy is that he destroys himself. Another element of his tragedy is that he is not aware of his fatal flaw until it is too late to save himself. The tragic hero, however, doesn't give up easily. He fights against his destruction, trying to reverse his downfall.
Finally, in order to emphasize the tragedy of a formerly good man's destruction, Shakespeare gives us a glimpse of the hero as he once was. This occurs at the conclusion of the play. In your essay examining Macbeth, go to the play and you will find that he exemplifies all of Shakespeare's characteristics of a tragic hero. In fact, some statement of that observation could serve as a good thesis for your essay. Good luck!
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