The characteristics of a tragic hero in mythology typically include a noble birth, a fatal flaw (or hamartia), and a downfall that evokes pity and fear in the audience. Such heroes often possess a sense of purpose but are ultimately undone by their flaws or circumstances beyond their control. Classical examples, like Achilles or Macbeth, highlight the struggle between individual desires and greater destinies. Their journeys serve as profound reflections on the consequences of human choices and the inevitabilities of fate, emphasizing the poignant beauty of the human experience.