Epic tragedies show particular traits which are common to all the plays of the genre. This includes a protagonist who is of noble heritage, with a noble character that includes courage, self sacrifice and swiftness when executing judgment. These are traits shown by great tragic heroes such as Hercules, Oedipus & Ajax. These heroes however also possessed a unique flaw. This single flaw brings about their down fall and the tragedy ends with the death of the hero.

Shakespeare's Hamlet cannot easily be categorized as a tragedy of this kind. The protagonist of the play Hamlet is a prince of noble blood. He is shown as a thoughtful and poetic scholar of a peaceful nature. He is very passionate and he shows courage [Act one scene five where he faces the ghost of his father]. His responsibility seems to overshadow all his other concerns [proven by his inability to...