All tragic heroes have a tragic ending. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is a story that follows the lives of two young lovers from feuding families, the Capulets and, the Montagues. They fall deeply in love and secretly marry, however, their love is short-lived. Romeo, the protagonist, embodies the qualities of a tragic hero through his nobility, his tragic flaw of impulsiveness, and his fate which ultimately leads to his tragic end. Throughout the play, Romeo is a character of high status and class. He is from the wealthy and respected Montague family, which is one of the most prominent families in Verona. Additionally, Romeo is dignified and courageous when he risks his life to fight for his honor and the honor of his family. For instance, when Tybalt insults Romeo and his family, Romeo defends his honor by engaging in a duel with Tybalt, even though he knows that it could escalate the feud between the two families. Tybalt says, “Romeo, the love I bear thee can afford no better term than this: thou art a villain” (Rom. 3.3.61-62). Romeo initially tries to avoid the confrontation, but when Tybalt persists, he fights back. When Romeo does this, he says “And so, good Capulet, which name I tender / As dearly as mine own, be satisfied” (3.3.77-78). This incident leads to …show more content…
After Juliet’s supposed death, he decides to take his own life. However, before he does, he admits that he has made a mistake in killing Tybalt. This realization occurs when Romeo expresses “O, I am fortune’s fool!” (3.1.136). Romeo recognizes his own role in the tragic events that have unfolded and this pivotal moment in the play shows his growth and self-awareness. Romeo even asks Tybalt for forgiveness and states that with his own death, he will avenge his newly dead cousin. Regardless of the ending of the play, Romeo's growth shows he is a complex and multifaceted