aristotle poetic conventions

Tragedy

An imitation of a serious, complete action that arouses pity and fear and leads to catharsis.

Mimesis

The imitation of human action in art.

Catharsis

The emotional cleansing or purging of pity and fear experienced by the audience.

Plot (Mythos)

The arrangement of events in a tragedy; the most important element.

Character (Ethos)

The moral qualities and motivations of the characters.

Thought (Dianoia)

The ideas, themes, or arguments expressed in the play.

Diction (Lexis)

The language and style of speech used by the characters.

Melody / Song (Melos)

The musical component of the play, especially the chorus.

Spectacle (Opsis)

The visual elements such as scenery, costumes, and stage effects.

Unity of Action

All events in the plot are connected and contribute to a single storyline.

Incentive Moment (Inciting Incident)

The event that begins the chain of cause and effect in the plot.

Complication (Rising Action)

The series of events that build tension leading to the climax.

Climax

The turning point of the play.

Denouement

The unraveling of the plot after the climax.

Catastrophe

The final downfall of the tragic hero.

Peripeteia

A reversal of fortune or change from good to bad.

Anagnorisis

A moment of recognition or discovery of truth.

Hamartia

The tragic hero's error or mistake that leads to downfall from a lack of knowledge.

Tragic Irony

When the audience knows something the character does not.

Tragic Hero

A noble character who falls from good fortune to bad due to hamartia.

Hubris

Excessive pride that often leads to the hero's downfall.

Simple Plot

A plot without reversal or recognition.

Complex Plot

A plot that includes both peripeteia and anagnorisis.

Chorus

A group that comments on the action and provides background information.

Episode

A scene of dialogue between characters.

Stasimon

A choral song between dramatic episodes.

Exodos

The final scene of the play when the chorus exits.

Deus ex Machina

An outside force suddenly resolves the conflict of the plot.

Prologue

The opening speech or dialogue that introduces background information before the action begins.

Parodos

The entrance song of the chorus as they enter the stage.

Orchestra

The circular dancing/performance area where the chorus sang and danced.

Skene

The stage building behind the actors used for scenery and costume changes.

Amphitheater

A large open-air theater where Greek dramas were performed.

Masks

Large theatrical masks worn by actors to show character emotions and amplify voices.

Coturni (Buskins)

Elevated platform shoes worn by actors to make them appear taller and more visible.

Dialogue

Spoken conversation between characters that advances the action of the play.

Choral Ode

Reflective song performed by the chorus commenting on events in the play.