urally, not by chance. For example, in Oedipus Rex, the messenger’s news accidentally reveals the truth. This makes the story shocking but believable. A simple plot lacks these twists. It just shows a hero’s fortune changing in a straight line. In chapter 10 of this book, we find a quote about this: 

“A Complex action is one in which the change is accompanied by such Reversal, or by Recognition, or by both.”

Reversal (Peripeteia): Reversal is when the story takes an unexpected turn. For example, a character’s action brings the opposite result. In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus tries to avoid his fate but fulfills it instead. Aristotle says reversals must happen logically, not randomly. They shock the audience but feel true to the story. This makes tragedy more dramatic. Simple plots have no reversals. Complex plots use reversals to create tension and pity.

Recognition (Anagnorisis): Recognition is when a character learns a life-changing truth. The best recognition happens with reversal (in Oedipus Rex where Oedipus discovers his identity and his life collapses). Aristotle says recognition can come through signs, memories, or reasoning. It should feel natural, not forced. This moment creates fear and pity in the audience. Simple plots lack such discoveries. Here, characters stay unaware of deeper truths.

Cause and Effect: Aristotle says a good plot must follow cause and effect. This means each event should happen because of something earlier. It should not happen just by luck or chance. In a complex plot, reversal and recognition happen because of the story itself. They do not come from outside. This makes the story feel real and serious. It also helps the audience understand how actions lead to results. That is why Aristotle likes this type of plot.

Emotional Power: Aristotle says that the aim of tragedy is to make people feel pity and fear. The function of tragedy is: 

“Tragedy, however, is an imitation not only of complete action, but also of incident arousing pity and fear.”

A complex plot does this best. When something unexpected happens and changes everything, it touches the heart. When people recognize something at the same moment that the situation changes, they feel deep emotions. This emotional power is what makes tragedy great. A simple plot cannot do this in the same way. So, a complex plot is not only better in structure but also better in effect.

In conclusion, Aristotle believes that the complex plot is the best kind of tragic plot. It includes reversal and recognition. It also follows cause and effect and gives strong emotions. A simple plot may be clear, but it is not deep enough. A complex plot surprises us, teaches us, and moves us. It makes the audience feel and understand more. That is why Aristotle says the complex plot is more perfect and powerful for tragedy.