Final answer:
In Greek drama, the term hamartia refers to the tragic mistake or fatal flaw of a character, often manifested as hubris, which leads to their ultimate downfall. This central flaw prompts a narrative of reversal, realization, and emotional purification for the audience.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used in Greek drama to describe a character's tragic mistake is hamartia. This term embodies the concept of a fatal flaw or error in judgment which leads to the downfall of the play's hero. In a Greek tragedy, this flaw often takes the form of hubris, or excessive pride, which the Greeks believed to be offensive to the gods and could evoke divine retribution. The narrative revolves around the central figure, typically a noble character, who makes a critical mistake that is driven by their hamartia. This leads to a peripeteia, or reversal of fortune, followed by anagnorisis, the hero's moment of realization, and ultimately, catharsis, which offers the audience a purgation of emotions.