In Arthur Miller's essay "Tragedy and the Common Man," he redefines the concept of tragedy in literature. He claims tragedy is not simply that of kings and queens, but something that belongs to the common man. He writes, "The tragic feeling is evoked in us when we are in the presence of a character who is ready to lay down his life, if need be, to secure one thing - his sense of personal dignity." The average man becomes the American Character when he or she possesses the "tragic flaw," the "unwillingness to remain passive" when faced with a challenge to his or her pride and honor. The battle towards achievement that Americans face often includes a sacrifice to retain this dignity. This willingness to take a stand allows one to become an individual and achieve his or her goals.  Throughout this sacrifice, the real achievement is how others benefit in return. Those who receive the sacrifice inherit this "tragic flaw" to fight through the American Experience and become the ideal America Character as well.
Read Miller's entire essay here.
"The fight for justice against corruption is never easy. It never has been and never will be. It exacts a toll on our self, our families, our friends, and especially our children. In the end, I believe, as in my case, the price we pay is well worth holding on to our dignity." -Frank Serpico
Explore examples of this theme in American Literature and other sources:
A Mystery of Heroism by Stephen Crane
I Hear America Singing by Walt Whitman
Self-sacrifice: Heroic or selfish? by Krista Norsworthy
Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller - Sacrifice
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansford - Sacrifice 
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey - McMurphy
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Rosa Parks
Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling