Henchard grapples with his past and its consequences, developing a heightened sense of self-awareness. He is acutely aware of the burden of his mounting mistakes and how they shape his character. His tragic nature becomes apparent, as he is undoubtedly a man of extremes—similar to the tragic heroes found in the works of Shakespeare and Aeschylus. Yet, he does not hesitate to recognize his moral shortcomings. He confronts them with a dignity akin to that of Oedipus or Lear.