In Shakespeare's tragedies, one element is consistent- the tragic hero. Each tragic hero shares certain traits that contribute to his tragedy. From Othello to Macbeth, each hero is a man of high estate or high ranking. Also, they each possess some flaw or obsession that will eventually lead to their demise. The characters do not have to be inherently "good", or moral, but they do have to have some undiscovered potential that makes the audience feel that they could have done great things. The audience admires and pities these characters for that reason, but when the death of the tragic hero comes it often brings a sense of relief. Macbeth is one of the best examples of a tragic hero, and by studying the events that lead to his death, one can learn of the process all tragic heroes go through on the path to their downfall. Before Macbeth is even introduced to the audience, Duncan and Ross speak of his greatness. When it is discovered that the Thane of Cawdor has surrendered, Duncan decides to give Macbeth this title: "What he hath lost noble Macbeth hath won" (1.2.70). This lets the audience see Macbeth's rank, which starts him in the right direction for a tragic hero. As Macbeth starts to believe the prophecies of the witches that he will be the Thane of Cawdor, Glamis, and the King, the audience starts to see his obsession with his destiny: "Stars, hide your fires;/ Let not light see my black and deep desires" (1.4.50-51). This great ambition will turn into the flaw that hurtles Macbeth to his demise. Macbeth is convinced, partly by his own ambition and partly because of his wife, that he should murder Duncan in order to take the position of King. In accordance with the other tragedies, the events that follow move rather quickly, and Macbeth kills Duncan: "I go, and it is done. The bell invites me. / Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell/ That summons thee to heaven or to hell" (2.1.63-65). Macbeth is to be coronated King, but as...