Peripeteia
Peripeteia is a sudden change or reversal in circumstances. The term is most commonly associated with Classical drama, and according to Aristotle, Tragedy in particular.[1] Though traditionally associated with Classical works, Peripeteia is a pervasive trope in almost all dramatic narratives, from Shakespeare, all the way through to the 2011 film Captain America.
The Wheel of Fortune
Peripeteia is often described as a wheel of fortune. As the wheel turns, those originally positioned at the high point of the wheel will find themselves descending, whilst those at the bottom will discover their prospects improving as they approach the top. Thus whilst some characters may lose all that is dear to them, others will simultaneously have good fortunes and get what they want. In traditional narratives, this often ultimately leads to the death of the unlucky, and marriage/love for the fortunate.
