The Tragedy
Throughout the majority of Shakespeare’s plays, what we observe is that the hero succumbs to his own weaknesses, leading to the tragedy. For example, Othello’s own jealousy led to his making rash and aggressive choices. Moreover, he was responsive to outsiders’ opinions, which caused him to internalize all his feelings, until eventually he explodes and carries out his heinous actions.
Flawed nature
Shakespeare’s key characters are made so glorious by the fact that they are flawed individuals. Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, and Lear all are tragic because of the actions of the characters. For example, Lear’s own foolhardiness and obstinate nature is the eventual cause of his own downfall. His inability to appreciate what he has through the love from his youngest daughter, results in the tragic ending.
Social status
Bradley highlights a common theme throughout all Shakespeare’s plays is that of using characters with a good social standing. He stresses that the key characters are usually of nobility or carry some form of higher ranking in society, and this is an important part of their behavior and actions throughout.