Coriolanus by William Shakespeare

The title character is that rare example of a man who is honorable to the point where his honor is insufferable. He distinguishes himeself in war–no small thing among the naturally warlike Romans–but cannot abide lowering himself to curry favor with the public. The story features some memorable passages from both the popular and the aristocratic cause, but Shakespeare as an Englishman of good breeding naturally sides with the aristocrats. But the story of a man who is too noble for his own good is a fitting subject for a tragedy, and this one is a fine example of the Bard at his best.