1. A sudden change of fortune or reversal of circumstances, especially in a dramatic work or narrative.
Usage: Also spelled 'peripety'; Common in literary and dramatic analysis; From Greek drama theory

Examples

• The peripetia in the play occurs when the hero discovers his true identity.
• The novel's peripetia shocked readers who expected a predictable ending.
• In classical tragedy, peripetia often leads to the protagonist's downfall.
• The peripetia of the story transforms the villain into an unlikely ally.
• Without a strong peripetia, the narrative felt flat and uninspiring.
• The detective's discovery of the hidden letter serves as the peripetia that unravels the entire mystery.