tragic flaw

n.
A flaw in the character of the protagonist of a tragedy that brings the protagonist to ruin or sorrow.

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tragic flaw, the defect of character that brings about the protagonist's downfall in a tragedy: Othello's jealousy is a famous example. The idea of the tragic flaw involves a narrowing and personalizing of the broader Greek concept of hamartia (‘error’ or ‘failure’). See also hubris.

For a list of words related to tragic flaw, see:

• Devices, Techniques, and Elements - tragic flaw: defect in tragic hero’s character that causes downfall

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