Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
tragic flaw
noun
ˈtrædʒɪk flɔː
Definition
A tragic flaw is a character trait that leads to the downfall of a tragic hero in literature. This flaw often results from the hero’s own decisions or circumstances, contributing to their ultimate failure or demise.
Examples
- In Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’, the protagonist’s tragic flaw is his indecisiveness.
- The hero’s tragic flaw led him to ignore the warnings of his friends, resulting in his downfall.
Meaning
The term refers to a weakness or error in judgment that brings about the failure of a protagonist in a story, particularly in classical tragedies.
Synonyms
- fatal flaw
- hamartia
- weakness
