English Greek Tragedy Terms

tragedy

an imitation of a serious action which will arouse pity and fear in the viewer

tragic hero

a character, usually of high birth, neither totally good nor totally evil, whose downfall is brought about by some weakness or error in judgement

hamartia

a tragic flaw, weakness of character or error in judgment, which causes the downfall of the hero

hubris

arrogance or overweening pride which causes the hero’s transgression against the gods; usually, the tragic flaw

anagnorisis

recognition or discovery on the part of the hero; change from ignorance to knowledge

peripeteia

reversal of fortune

nemesis

fate that cannot be escaped

catharsis

purgation of emotions of pity and fear which leaves the viewer both relieved and elated

stichomythia

quick dialogue between two characters