Final answer:
The term Aristotle used to describe the tragic hero's error of judgement leading to their downfall is 'hamartia', which is often expressed through characteristics like excessive pride or hubris.
Step-by-step explanation:
As defined by Aristotle, the tragic hero's downfall is brought about by an error of judgement called hamartia. This concept is a central component in classical Greek tragedies, where a character's great error or frailty leads to their ultimate downfall. One classic example of hamartia is hubris, which refers to excessive pride. Ancient Greek tragedies often showcase a tragic hero of noble birth, who possesses this flaw, leading to a reversal of fortune, known as peripeteia, and ultimately ends in the catharsis of the audience. A well-known tragic hero is Oedipus, whose arrogance - his tragic flaw - causes his demise despite his good intentions, thereby creating a powerful emotional experience for the audience.
As defined by Aristotle, the tragic hero's downfall is brought about by an error of judgement called hamartia. This concept is a central component in classical Greek tragedies, where a character's great error or frailty leads to their ultimate downfall. One classic example of hamartia is hubris, which refers to excessive pride. Ancient Greek tragedies often showcase a tragic hero of noble birth, who possesses this flaw, leading to a reversal of fortune, known as peripeteia, and ultimately ends in the catharsis of the audience. A well-known tragic hero is Oedipus, whose arrogance - his tragic flaw - causes his demise despite his good intentions, thereby creating a powerful emotional experience for the audience.