What Does Tragic Flaw Mean?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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: a

flaw in character that brings about the downfall of the hero of a tragedy

.

What makes a flaw a tragic flaw?

Tragic Flaw Definition

A tragic flaw (TRAH-jik FLAWW) or fatal flaw is a

character trait that causes the downfall or demise of that character

. This flaw can be negative, like jealousy, or positive, like honesty. In Greek, the tragic flaw is also closely aligned with hamartia, meaning “to err” or “to miss the mark.”

What is an example of a tragic flaw?

Tragic/fatal flaw

It is a flaw which causes an otherwise noble or exceptional character to bring about their own downfall and, often, their eventual death. Examples of this could include

hubris, misplaced trust, excessive curiosity, pride and lack of self-control

.

What is tragic flaw in a sentence?

The invasion has always lacked legitimacy, and that lack of legitimacy has been a tragic flaw. Often the protagonist of the play has a tragic flaw, a trait which leads to their downfall. In a tragedy,

the protagonist here makes a bad decision, a miscalculation that demonstrates his

tragic flaw.

What is Oedipus Rex tragic flaw?

Oedipus fits this precisely, for his basic flaw is

his lack of knowledge about his own identity

. Moreover, no amount of foresight or preemptive action could remedy Oedipus’ hamartia; unlike other tragic heroes, Oedipus bears no responsibility for his flaw.

Which is the best example of a tragic hero?

Which of the following characters is the best example of a tragic hero?

An ambitious prince is unable to save himself or his family after realizing too late how much his desire for power has cost him

.

Who has a tragic flaw?

A tragic flaw is a literary term that refers to a

personality trait of a main character that leads to his or her downfall

. In other words, a character with a tragic flaw is in need of some kind of attitude adjustment.

What are some examples of character flaws?

  • Abusive. Being abusive is a character flaw many literary villains possess. …
  • Addiction. Addiction is another common plot device used to move a story forward or create conflict in the character’s life. …
  • Excessive Pride. …
  • Fear. …
  • Greed. …
  • Jealousy. …
  • Incompetence. …
  • Lust for Power.

What is the tragic flaw of Doctor Faustus?

Dr. Faustus’s character flaw, or

hamartia

, is ambition and greed. His choice to sell his soul to Lucifer in order to feed this ambition and greed is what directly leads to Faustus’s eventual downfall. Accordingly, Faustus fits Aristotle’s second characteristic of a tragic hero.

What is tragic flaw in Romeo and Juliet?

In the play of Romeo and Juliet written by William Shakespeare, fate controls the character by using their fatal flaws against them, Romeo’s fatal flaw is

his impetuousness

, Juliet’s fatal flaw is her impulsiveness, and Friar Lawrence’s fatal flaw is that he is blinded by his goal to bring peace to Verona.

What is meant by tragic hero?

A tragic hero is a character

in a dramatic tragedy who has virtuous and sympathetic traits but ultimately meets with suffering or defeat

. Something tragic is sadly disastrous, such as the untimely death of a loved one.

What does tragic flaw mean in literature?

:

a flaw in character that brings about the downfall of the hero of a tragedy

.

How do you use soliloquy in a sentence?

  1. The man seemed lost in introspection, as if delivering a soliloquy . …
  2. The soliloquy at the end showed a man still puzzled by his continuing inability to ever see anything more than the facts.

What was Oedipus biggest mistake?

First off early on in Oedipus’ life his first deadly mistake towards succeeding his self-inflicted downfall was

the murder of his father the former king

. In a blind rage without any motive, he kills Liaus and his men at a rode crossing.

What is the moral lesson of Oedipus Rex?

The moral of Oedipus Rex is that

one cannot control one’s own destiny and that pride leads to downfall

.

Who found Oedipus as a baby?

Brief Summary


A shepherd

finds the baby, though, and takes him to King Polybus and Queen Merope of Corinth, who name him Oedipus and raise him as their own. One day, Oedipus goes to the Oracle of Delphi to find out who his real parents are.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.