What is the term for the character defect that leads to the downfall of the protagonist in a tragedy?

The term that refers to the character defect that leads to the downfall of the protagonist in a tragedy is "hamartia." This concept originates from Aristotle’s definition of tragedy, where he explains that the tragic hero is often brought down by a fundamental flaw or mistake in judgment. While "tragic flaw" is commonly used in discussions of literature, it is essentially synonymous with "hamartia," which translates from Greek as "missing the mark" or "error."

Understanding hamartia is crucial to grasping the complexities of tragic narratives, as it encapsulates how the protagonist's inherent imperfections drive the plot towards its tragic conclusion. This character defect isn't just a simple mistake but rather a profound part of the character's identity, illustrating the interplay between personal agency and fate within the tragedy. The richness of hamartia lies in its reflection of human experience, suggesting that everyone has weaknesses that can lead to significant consequences.

Other terms offered, like "catastrophe," refer specifically to the tragic ending or the climactic moment in the narrative where the protagonist's downfall occurs, while "catharsis" describes the emotional release experienced by the audience. These concepts are integral to the tragedy but don't specifically pinpoint the character defect leading to the downfall