Describing Character Development

Question 1

anagnorisis

Answer 1

a moment in a play when a character makes a critical discovery, such as the tragic hero’s sudden awareness of a real situation usually as a result of their downfall

Question 2

antagonist

Answer 2

a character who actively opposes or is hostile to another character, particularly the protagonist

Question 3

catharsis

Answer 3

the process of letting go of or providing liberation from strong or suppressed emotions

Question 4

conscience

Answer 4

a moral sense of right and wrong that guides a character’s behaviour

Question 5

foil

Answer 5

a character with qualities that are in contrast with another character
e.g. Rosaline and Juliet

Question 6

hamartia

Answer 6

a character’s tragic flaw

Question 7

hubris

Answer 7

an exaggerated self-pride or self confidence which often leads to a fatal retaliation

Question 8

peripeteia

Answer 8

a sudden turn of events or an unexpected reversal

Question 9

protagonist

Answer 9

the leading character in the play

Question 10

tragic hero

Answer 10

a character who is usually depicted as perfect and honourable yet has one ‘fatal flaw’ or hamartia