Final answer:
In 'Ben-Hur,' the main character's chief character flaw is pride, known as hubris, which aligns with the tragic flaw or hamartia observed in Greek tragedies leading to the protagonist's downfall.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Ben-Hur, pride is the chief character flaw of the main character. This concept is known as hubris, a term borrowed from Ancient Greek tragedies that describes the tragic flaw of excessive pride leading to the protagonist's downfall. Such a flaw is exhibited in many classical stories where the Greek hero, often the play's protagonist, faces grave consequences due to this personal failing.
Hubris is one of the most common examples of what Aristotle defined as hamartia. In the context of Greek tragedies, this term refers to the 'fatal flaw' that causes the tragedy's hero to fall from grace. For instance, in the story of Oedipus, it is his arrogance and belief that he is smarter than others, including the gods, that triggers his demise. Despite his good intentions, this characteristic leads the audience to a catharsis, as they empathize with Oedipus and yet witness his tragic end.
Similarly, in the story of Antigone, Creon's downfall is caused by his own hubris, his excessive pride. Characters like these serve as educational examples for the audience, drawing on the themes of personal responsibility and the potential dangers of pride.