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Overview
peripeteia
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[pe-ri-pĕ-tee-ă]
[pe-rip-ĕti])
A sudden reversal of a character's circumstances and fortunes, usually involving the downfall of the protagonist in a tragedy, and often coinciding with the ‘recognition’ or anagnorisis. In a comedy, however, the peripeteia abruptly restores the prosperity of the main character(s). See also coup de théâtre.
Subjects: Literature
