This question is based on General Literary Principles. In drama, a conspicuous weakness in the character of…

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term describing a conspicuous weakness in the protagonist's character that contributes to his downfall.

Step 2: Explain the concepts Let's look at each option:

• Anagnorisis: the moment of recognition or discovery, when the protagonist realizes the truth about his situation or identity (e.g., Oedipus discovering he has killed his father).
• Tragic flaw (hamartia): a defect or weakness in the protagonist's character, such as pride, ambition, jealousy, or indecision, that leads to his downfall.
• Catharsis: the purging or emotional release of pity and fear that the audience feels at the end of a tragedy.
• Catastrophe: the final event of a tragedy, in which the tragic hero meets his ruin or death.

Step 3: Match the definition The question describes a weakness in character that contributes to the downfall. This is the tragic flaw, also called hamartia. Examples:

• Macbeth: vaulting ambition
• Othello: jealousy and credulity
• Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart: fear of weakness and his rash temper
• Hamlet: indecision

Step 4: Answer a tragic flaw**.

Exam tip: Link each term to a keyword:

• Anagnorisis = Awareness (recognition)
• Hamartia/Tragic flaw = Failing in character
• Catharsis = Cleansing of emotions (the audience)
• Catastrophe = Collapse (the final disaster)

If the question talks about a character's weakness, think tragic flaw.