What element serves as the turning point in a tragic story?

In a tragic story, the element that serves as the turning point is known as peripeteia. This term refers to a reversal of fortune or a significant change in circumstances for the protagonist that leads to an inevitable outcome, typically a fall from a high status to a lower one. The moment of peripeteia is critical because it shifts the direction of the narrative and sets in motion the consequences of earlier actions or decisions.

For example, in classic tragedies, the protagonist may start in a position of power or happiness, but due to their choices or flaws, they experience a dramatic turn that leads to their downfall. This moment is pivotal as it highlights the themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of one's actions, which are central to tragic narratives.

The other terms mentioned, while relevant to the structure of tragedy, serve different functions. Anagnorisis refers to the moment of realization or discovery that a character experiences, hamartia denotes the tragic flaw that leads to the character's downfall, and hubris describes excessive pride or self-confidence, which can also contribute to the tragic arc but does not signify the turning point itself. Thus, peripeteia is the crucial element that marks the sudden shift in the story's trajectory.