King Lear: King Lear a Tragic Hero King Lear had been discussed by many critics of the play of this name, with some taking the position that he was a tragic hero. However, there are a few who believe that he was not, and that in effect, he might even be a comic figure. This paper attempts to discuss whether King Lear is a tragic hero or not, looking at the works of two critics, each taking opposite sides. On the one hand, there is A.C. Bradley, who takes the position that King Lear is a tragic hero because he demonstrates all the characteristics of a tragic hero as Bradley saw it. On the