I've come to the consensus that Anakin Skywalker is the perfect tragic hero. These guidelines were set by Aristotle who knows how long ago. Anakin fits all of the guidelines, almost more than perfectly:
1) A tragic hero is of noble stature.
There is no doubting that Anakin is of noble stature. He is the Son of the Suns. Need I say
more?
2) A tragic hero is good, though not perfect, and his fall results from what Aristotle calls "an act of
injustice" (Hamartia, Greek origin).
We are not sure of his downfall, but it probably will be because of his "tragic flaw." Anakin's
tragic flaw is his quick temper/anger. For those who read the novel of The Phantom Menace,
remember when he beats up that kid for no reason?
3) The tragic hero's downfall is his own fault, not of some accident or criminal act.
Again, he has a short temper that probably brings his downfall and turn to the Dark Side.
4) The tragic hero's downfall is not wholly deserved.
Who can say that the little boy in The Phantom Menace deserves to fall in a pit of lava
(according to the Expanded Universe), or whatever makes him scarred and in that ugly suit?
5) His downfall is not pure loss. Before the hero dies, he usually gains some knowledge or commits some act.
Aristotle called it a "discovery." Anakin redeems himself in Return of the Jedi; he saves Luke
and takes the life of the Emperor who has done so many evils to his son, himself, and the
entire galaxy.
6) Though it arises solemn emotions, it does not leave the audience in a state of depression.
Anakin's death helped serve the greater cause of the Rebellion, and everyone rejoiced
because of it.
7) In most tragedies, the hero's punishment is more harsh than the crime.
In Anakin's case, the crime is the turn to the Dark Side. After returning from the Dark Side,
is his death deserved?
