noun
- a tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to the downfall of a tragic hero in literature
Usage: literary criticism; classical drama
Examples
- Othello’s hamartia was his jealousy, which ultimately destroyed him.
- The concept of hamartia is central to Aristotle’s theory of tragedy.
- Macbeth’s ambition served as his hamartia in Shakespeare’s play.
- Students analyzed the protagonist’s hamartia in their essay on Greek tragedy.
- The hero’s hamartia made him relatable despite his noble status.
- Critics debate whether Hamlet’s indecision constitutes his hamartia.