The classic definition of a tragic hero is a literary character who makes a judgment error that inevitably leads to their own destruction. They are typically a well-respected and noble figure who has a flaw, such as hubris or ambition, that leads them to make a fatal mistake. The tragic hero's downfall evokes catharsis, or emotional release, in the audience, as they experience a sense of pity or fear for the character. Some famous examples of tragic heroes include Hamlet, Oedipus, Macbeth, and Willy Loman.