What role does "hubris" play in Aristotle's tragedy?

In Aristotle's conception of tragedy, "hubris" refers to excessive pride or self-confidence, which is often seen as a key character flaw in tragic heroes. This flaw is integral to the narrative, as it typically leads the protagonist to make critical mistakes, disregarding warnings or failing to recognize their limitations. Consequently, this overreaching ambition sets the stage for their eventual downfall, which is a central element in the structure of a tragic story.

The tragic hero's hubris often blinds them to the possible consequences of their actions, leading to a series of events that culminate in their undoing. This aligns with Aristotle's notion that tragedies should evoke both pity and fear in the audience, as they witness the hero’s fall from grace due to this inherent flaw. Therefore, understanding hubris as a flaw that leads to downfall encapsulates the essence of tragedy as defined by Aristotle, as it highlights the tragic consequences of a character's excessive pride.