hamartia

a negative trait or quality of a fictional character that leads to their downfall or contributes to their struggles or conflicts throughout the story

Hamartia is a literary term that refers to a character's tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to their downfall. This flaw is often a fundamental weakness or mistake that causes the character to make poor decisions or missteps, ultimately resulting in significant consequences. Hamartia is a key element in tragedy, as it helps to illustrate the character’s vulnerability and the impact of their actions on their fate.