peripeteia Definition
a sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances, especially in reference to fictional narratives.
Using peripeteia: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "peripeteia" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The peripeteia in the novel was unexpected but made for a great plot twist.
Example
The play's peripeteia occurred in the final act, leaving the audience stunned.
Example
The film's peripeteia was so dramatic that it changed the entire course of the story.
peripeteia Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with peripeteia
a sudden change in a character's personality or beliefs, often used in literature
Example
The protagonist's peripeteia of character was a key element in the novel's plot.
a sudden and unexpected turn of events in a person's life, often used in tragedy
Example
The play's peripeteia of fate led to the downfall of the main character.
a sudden and significant change in the course of history, often caused by a single event or decision
Example
The battle marked a peripeteia of history, leading to the fall of the empire.
Origins of peripeteia
from Greek 'peripeteia', meaning 'sudden change'
Summary: peripeteia in Brief
The term 'peripeteia' [ˌperəpəˈtīə] refers to a sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances, particularly in fictional narratives. It is often used to describe a dramatic plot twist, as in 'The film's peripeteia was so dramatic that it changed the entire course of the story.' The concept extends to phrases like 'peripeteia of character,' denoting a sudden change in a character's personality or beliefs, and 'peripeteia of fate,' referring to a sudden and unexpected turn of events in a person's life.
