“Tragic flaw… [can] be defined as a trait in a character leading to [their] downfall” (Editors). In many fictitious pieces, characters are given a flaw that leads to consequences. William Shakespeare incorporates the theme of tragic flaw in Romeo and Juliet, through his characters. Tragic flaw is demonstrated by Romeo who falls in love too easily, eventually leading to his death. It is also shown with Tybalt who is very stubborn and reckless, leading to his end. Juliet also portrays tragic flaw, as she is very impetuous and impulsive when making decisions, leading to her demise. Therefore, an influential theme found in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is that a simple mistake caused by a tragic flaw can lead to tragedy.
Romeo, the protagonist of Romeo and Juliet, faces death because of a simple flaw. Romeo is a Montague, enemy of Juliet’s family, the Capulets. Initially, Romeo is madly in love with Rosaline, but after meeting Juliet at the party, falls deeply in love with her. Romeo is unaware he is making a mistake by
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Tybalt is a Capulet like Juliet and he is her cousin. He is temperamental, stubborn and reckless. Near the beginning of the play after Sampson and Gregory start a fight with the Benvolio, Tybalt enters from behind and is pleased to join the fight. Benvolio mentions the word peace and Tybalt becomes infuriated. “What, drawn, and talk of peace? I hate the/ word as I hate hell, all Montagues and thee, coward!” (I.i.ll.72-74). Tybalt does not realize that fighting over a simple disagreement is completely unnecessary yet since he is so hot-tempered believes that he is above everyone else. Even Capulet doesn’t fight as much as Tybalt. Later in the play after causing a fight with Romeo, Mercutio steps forward and Tybalt kills him. Tybalt is then killed by Romeo. This effectively supports Shakespeare’s theme that a simple flaw can result in