Michael Vick
Tragic Hero
Why Michael Vick is a Tragic Hero
Michael Vick is a tragic hero because he started out as a star in the NFL. He broke records in college and was making a name for himself in the NFL. In 2007 he was caught running a dog fighting ring on property he owned and thus began his downfall. He spent 23 months in prison and 3 years on probation. He was also banned from the NFL for a short period of time. Now, 7 years after he got caught, he is back to playing in the NFL and beginning to and achieve the level of popularity he had before the dog fighting incident.
6 Qualities of a Tragic Hero
- The tragic hero is a character of noble stature and has greatness. The character must ALSO embody nobility and virtue as part of his/her character.
- Though the tragic hero is great, he/she is not perfect.
- The hero’s downfall, is partially his/her own fault.
- The hero’s misfortune is not wholly deserved. Punishment is often more than the crime.
- The hero’s fall is not pure loss.
- Though it is sad, the tragedy does not leave its audience in a state of depression.
Quotes
“I don’t think the NFL has ever seen the likes of me, a quarterback who moves the way I do and throws the way I do. I’m not saying that with arrogance or anything. That is just how I feel." -Michael Vick
“I was ashamed and totally disappointed in myself, to say the least. Dog fighting is a terrible thing. I reject it.” -Michael Vick
“I’ve been through a lot. It’s been great to come back and have an opportunity to play, and be with a great group of guys.” -Michael Vick