Character Analysis Of Troy The Tragic Hero In August Wilson's Fences

Troy Maxson has done it all. He has wrestled with Death, rose a family, played a sport he loved, and became one of the first African-American drivers. At first glance, he seems happy and content in his life. Though, in August Wilson’s book Fences, Troy’s self-centeredness, which can be tied into his past, causes him and many others near him trouble as his adventure through life progresses. These are all traits of a tragic hero, and Troy is a great example of one. When Troy is introduced, he seems to be happy and content with what he has. Rose, Troy’s wife, is loyal and loving, and about her he says, “I love this woman so much it hurts. I love her so much” (20). This quote embodies how much Troy loves Rose at that point in time. Additionally,

Firstly, he has quarrels with Cory about his passion and goals of playing football. Cory says, “Papa done went up to the school and told Coach Zellman I can’t play football no more. Wouldn’t event let me play the game. Told him to tell the recruiter not to come” (57). Though it may be considered a fatherly instinct, Troy’s action of not letting Cory leave and play football can be seen as him feeling self-centered as he could never achieve when he was younger what Cory has achieved now. Additionally, Troy often leaves home to see Alberta. His self-centeredness caused him to only see his side of emotion, and not how it would affect Rose. Troy says, “I can sit up in her house and laugh. Do you understand what I’m saying. I can laugh out loud … and it feels good” (69). This shows how Troy is focused mainly on his wellbeing and not for the others in his life. And sadly, this causes much loss in his

Firstly, by not allowing Cory to achieve his dream of football, he leaves for an even more distant position in the Marines. By being immoral and spending time with Alberta, he loses both Alberta, to death during the birth of his own daughter, and becomes more distant from Rose. Lastly, Troy clearly becomes less in touch with Bono. Troy says about Bono stopping by, “What you stop by and see me for? You ain’t stopped by in a month of Sundays” (82). This quote shows how far apart Troy and Bono have become, as the used to spend time together every day. This distance between Troy and Bono was most likely caused by Troy’s new position of driver, and Bono not seeing him often at work. It is clear that Troy has become alienated from many of the companions he once knew and loved. Possibly, this vulnerability was what caused him to be so susceptible to