tragic flaw

A tragic flaw, often found in literature and drama, refers to a character's inherent weakness or shortcoming that ultimately leads to their downfall. This flaw can be a personality trait, such as pride (hubris), jealousy, or impulsiveness, which clouds their judgment and drives them to make critical errors. As the story unfolds, this weakness becomes the catalyst for the character's misfortunes, illustrating the idea that even great individuals are vulnerable to failure due to their imperfections. The concept highlights the complexity of human nature and the consequences of one's choices.