Marcus Brutus as the tragic hero in Julius CaesarThere is no perfect person. We may dream of such a person, but unfortunately everyone has flaws. These flaws are what make us human. Something else that makes us human is our need for heroes. We attribute “perfect” qualities to our heroes. In reality, even our heroes have flaws. The closest thing to the idealized person, or hero, is the Shakespearean tragic hero. The tragic hero is someone of high caliber, good character, and a flaw. While it may just be a flaw, it is often fatal. An example of a tragic hero can be best seen in William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar. Marcus Brutus is a prominent leader and noble citizen of Rome who leads the assassination of Julius Caesar. We see that Brutus plays the role of the tragic hero through his noble position, his fatal flaw, and his legacy. Marcus Brutus has a noble position which adds to his appeal as a tragic hero. At one point Cassius says "'Brutus' and 'Caesar'. What's so special about the name 'Caesar'...yours sounds just as good." ( ) This indicates that Brutus is held in the same esteem as Julius Caesar. Most tragic heroes are high-ranking because they are easily recognizable. Tragic heroes are usually portrayed as prominent social figures, so when they fall they fall harder. Brutus's fatal flaw is his dependable nature. He joins the conspiracy not because he "loved Caesar less but loved Rome more." ( ) Brutus joins the conspiracy under the impression of preventing Caesar's tyranny and saving the people of Rome. He also trusts the motives of the other conspirators. By joining the conspiracy he is also responsible for Caesar's death and the carrying out of the plot. The Civil War is a direct result of Caesar's assassination and ultimately the death of Brutus. Brutus' downfall is definitely caused by his trustworthy nature. Through his legacy Brutus leaves the world an important lesson. Marc Antony remembers Brutus as "the noblest Roman of all".( ) Despite his death and loss in the war, Brutus is still remembered as noble, in this he represents the moral of the work.