Why are we always so drawn to the tragic hero? The heroe who has a troubled past, has no reason to fight for the cause he is supporting, but he does anyway. We are so drawn to them because they bring a human element to these fantastic adventures we always read and watch. They feel pain about things in thier past, just like we humans do. They have flaws and they don't always make correct decisions. They represent the common people in the fantastic adventure, the one we can relate to. Here are some of my favorite examples of tragic heroes.

Star Wars: Well, the first and really only tragic hero in SW that immediatly jumps into my mind is Anakin Skywalker. Poor Anakin, who was pried away from his mother at such a young age, and locked up behind the cold steel walls of the Jedi Temple. Everyday he longed for only three things, to become a jedi, to see his mother again and to see Padme. He had such immense power, power beyond that of Jedi far his superior, but yet, that power was his curse. With this power came jealousy, jealousy that he could sense from students and most likely teachers as well. Always, he pushed himself to far and jumped to conclusions, because of the visions he recieved. He tried so hard to use his power to do the right thing, but in the process, he destroyed all that he struggles to protect. And, some 23 years later, when he finally managed to make things right, he was signing away his life at the same time. When he finally gained peace and freedom and did all he'd intended, he did not live long enough to see it take full effect.

Naruto: There are actually a fair amount of examples in this T.V. show, but a few of them catch my interest particularly

1) Naruto Uzumaki: The title character himself is a great example. 12 years before the 1st episode, an evil nine-tailed kitsune(japanese for fox spirit) was sealed inside his body to save the village the story mostly takes place in. All the adults and elders, though not allowed to tell the children why, shuned Naruto in fear and anger. He grew up alone, with no parents to guide him. But still, he used his strength and the power of his heart to gradute from the Ninja Academy and become a hero among the rest of the Ninja, even if he screwed up sometimes.

2) Sasuke(sas-k) Uchiha: Naruto's best friend and fellow squad mate. When Sasuke was only a young student at the academy, his power hungry older brother murdered his entire clan, leaving them as the last remaining members of thier family. He bacame a ninja simply to gain the power to kill his brother, and avenge his clan. But, after meeting Naruto, he began to change, and while he still shows some of the tragic hero's traits, he has changed for the better.

3) Neji(Ne(rhymes with teh)-g) Hyuga(hugh-ga):Neji was born into the Hyuga clan's cadet branch, which is ment only to serve the main branch. Neji, who's father was born only seconds after his twin brother, is made the body guard of the leaders daughter, Hinata. When circumstances led to the leader, Hiashi, to be killed to avert a war, Neji's father Hizashi was sent instead, as his body double. Neji's father was killed that day. Neji also bears a mark on his head, as every member of the cadet branch does, that allows to main branch to telekenetically attack and kill them should they disobey any orders. Neji, determined that he cannot change his destiny, to be the caged bird the mark on his head represents, grows cold and shuts out almost everyone around him. Eventually, after fighting and losing to Naruto, his outlook changes when he learns that his father actually sacrifieced his life, to gain his freedom. Neji changes, and becomes a great friend and an open person.

Well, that is what I have for now. If any of you have any other examples that you think I've missed or that you'd like to add from other books, shows or movies, just post 'em in the comments. I don't mind if you leave multiple comments, just try not to leave to many.

MTFBWY