1) ANTI-HERO: An anti-hero is a protagonist that lives by the guidance of their own flawed morality, as opposed to those recognized by the society in which they live, or that completely rejects traditional values and morality as irrelevant.

2) TRAGIC HERO: A tragic hero has the potential for greatness but is doomed to fail. He is trapped in a situation where he cannot win. He possesses some sort of tragic flaw, and this causes his fall from greatness.

Which definition best fits the character of Macbeth? Why? Support your answer with specific textual references.

I feel that....Macbeth best fits as an anti-hero. Macbeth does not really have a sense of morality. He is at fault with his own morality. For example, he directly and indirectly ruthlessly murders King Duncan, Duncan's guards, Banquo, Lady Macduff, and her children. Obviously he completely rejects traditional values and morality. His mindset is completely towards his selfish needs as being a King, therefore he guides himself by his unmoral ideas. Macbeth also opposes the lives of the people in the society he lives in. For example, his society were content with King Duncan's ruling and thinks that murdering is wrong. And Macbeth knew that the people would feel that way, yet he continues with the murder. In addition, his best friend Banquo was the person who brought up the evil in the weird sisters and how horrible the death of Duncan was. However, that didn't stop Macbeth from killing more. Macbeth is not a hero at all, but if he was to be one, he would be considered as an anti-hero. He is flawed in his moral codes, and he rejects the society morality, and continues to live the life he wants to, how he wants to.