The protagonist of this story is Maximus, a general turned gladiator.
Maximus’ hamartia is his stubborn loyalty to Rome and his need to do what he believes is right and just instead of what is in his best interests.
‘Gladiator’ begins in medias res.
A characteristic of the tragic hero is their fatal flaw.
Hubris is often the fatal flaw of the tragic hero.
Maximus experiences his peripetia when his rightful place as emperor is taken from him.
When Maximus refuses to take Commodous’ hand, we observe the inciting incident of the story.
At the end of the movie, the audience experiences catharsis.
When Maximus recognizes his mistakes, he experiences anagnorisis.

To what extent does Gladiator adhere to ‘in medias res’? What film techniques are used to ensure we are familiar with the character of Maximus after only a short introduction?

Gladiator definitely adheres to ‘in medias res’. We are introduced to our main protagonist, Maximus when he is already a significant portion through their his story-line. Not only this, but the army that Maximus belongs to is in the midst of the final battle in a war. The audience is coming into the story in it’s mid point.
The clothes make the character. The clothing that a character wears communicates who they are and the position they hold in the world. Gold inlay, fur, broad shoulders.
Brooding.
Saluted by men, held in respect and high repute. Communicates with his soldiers.
From these things the audience is able to gather a good idea of who the character ‘Maximus’ is.
Marcus and Maximus are clearly friends from the way we see them interact during the beginning of the story.
Marcus acts as a parental figure for the protagonist, this relationship that they have is clear to the audience through the dialogue that they share. The respect and mutual love that they have for each other is emphasized when Marcus asks Maximus to be his successor.
Ominous music plays as the film begins.

Do you believe that the plot adheres to Aristotle’s rule? Justify your response with evidence from the text.
Each event in Gladiator contributes to create a single story-line, in this aspect I believe that it follows Aristotle’s rule, however, Gladiator does rely quite heavily on character to further it’s series of acts.
Large elements of the plot govern the story.

List three characteristics you feel are most vital to the development of a character into a tragic hero. For each of the three, briefly explain how Maximus demonstrates or experiences it. Support your answer with references to film techniques that Scott uses to communicate the characteristic or experience to the audience.
There are a vast number of characteristics which contribute to the creation and development of a tragic hero, perhaps the three most vital are:
The suffering of a character is vital to their progression into the identity of a tragic hero, “The hero suffers more than he deserves.” Maximus was a decorated General, a man of the people and a loving father/husband. He worked for and protected his country with his life.
When he refused to join Commodous’ side, his execution was ordered, his family was murdered, burnt and crucified. Maximus was then enslaved and forced to fight as a gladiator, his title was stripped away from him. When he finally gets his revenge, Maximus dies in the Colosseum.
“Heroes story should arouse fear and empathy.”
Family + fear of losing them
Having what was rightfully his taken away. – Being emperor, his family, his home, his title and status in society.

https://boredofstudies.org/threads/film-technique-effect-list.334969/