Definition

A sudden decline in status, power, or fortune, often caused by a person's own flaws or mistakes. In storytelling, a downfall arc (or tragedy) shows a character's descent from a position of strength to ruin.

Example Usage

His arrogance led directly to his downfall.

Origin

Old English 'downfall,' literal meaning of something falling down; metaphorical use to mean loss of status dates to Middle English (14th century).

Fun Fact

Tragic downfalls are often attributed to a fatal flaw or 'hamartia' in the character—a concept Aristotle identified in Greek drama.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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