A tragic hero is a great or virtuous character in a dramatic tragedy, who is destined for downfall, suffering, or defeat. In “A View from the Bridge” by Arthur Miller, the tragic hero, Eddie Carbone, has an obsessive love for his niece, Catherine. Eddie becomes jealous when Catherine begins a relationship with his wife’s cousin Rodolpho who is an illegal immigrant whom Eddie has brought into his home. Because of Rodolpho falling in love with Catherine, a series of events occur which leads to Eddie’s death. Eddie’s character, actions and beliefs change from positive to negative as the story leads towards Eddie’s death. The theme of Honor is also an element which leads to Eddie’s death.
Eddie Carbone’s character has many positive qualities that are present from the start of the play. One of which is that Eddie is a very hardworking man, “He worked on the piers when there was work, he brought home his pay, and he lived.” This gives the reader the impression that Eddie is a good man who works hard for a living. He is a straightforward person who does things as part of a routine. Another of Eddie’s positive qualities is his caring nature, which is seen when he speaks to Catherine, “Katie, I promised your mother on her deathbed, I’m responsible for you. You’re a baby, you don’t understand these things.” Eddie acts as he was Catherine’s father and has taken the responsibilities of one, by wanting the best for Catherine.
Eddie’s character has negative qualities are revealed as the play continues. As soon as Eddie sees that Rodolpho and Catherine are forming a strong relationship, he starts to express his true feelings, “I ain’t starting nothin’ but I ain’t gonna stand around lookin’ at that. For that character I didn’t bring her up.” Eddie is jealous of the Catherine and Rodolpho’s developing relationship and has a low opinion of Rodolpho. Eddie is over-protects Catherine