Throughout history and literature, one sees many types of heroes. One such type, the tragic hero, was established by Aristotle, a Greek philosopher. In his poetics, Aristotle delineates the qualities of a tragic hero. According to him, a tragic hero is a character that starts at the top of his/her society and falls to its very depths through and internal weakness or poor decision. In Macbeth, Shakespeare creates such a character. Through and examination peripeteia, nemesis and its resulting anagnorisis, hamartia, it is evident that Shakespeares character of Macbeth exemplifies the classic tragic hero. Macbeth experiences peripeteia, one of the qualities necessary for a character to be considered a tragic hero. Peripeteia is a Greek term that means reversal of fortune. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is a well-respected and admired co-captain of the army. Ross tells the king that Macbeth fought valiantly until he was able to defeat the Norwegians, and the Captain concurs, So they doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe (Act I Scene II, line 38). He illustrates that Macbeth demonstrates persistence on the battlefield. Not only is Macbeth respected by his peers, he is also respected by the king. Because of his successes, Macbeth, already the Thane of Glamis, is awarded the position, Thane of Cawdor. As can be seen, Macbeth is regarded fondly by his king as well as his comrades. In fact, the peerless King Duncan greets Macbeth O valiant cousin! Worthy gentlemen! (Act I Scene II, line 24). Macbeth recognizes that the king appreciates him; he says, He hath honored me of late, and I have bought/Golden opinion from all sorts of people (Act I Scene VII, lines 32-33). Clearly, Macbeth is a respected member of society, and this respect if further apparent when the people choose him to bee king after Duncan is murdered. In this manner, Macbeth reaches the pinnacle of his society. However, this reputation changes when he meets the witches, listens to the prophecy, and decide