Greek Theater Terms - Honors Eng. 2

Dithyrambs

Choral hymns sung in honor of Dionysus, often considered the origins of Greek drama.

Theatron

The seating area for spectators in a Greek theater.

Orchestra

The circular area where the chorus would perform and interact with the actors.

Thymele

An altar to Dionysus located in the center of the orchestra.

Parados (Theater Area)

The entrance used by the chorus to enter the orchestra.

Proskenion

The front of the stage where actors performed, often decorated and elevated.

Skene

A building behind the stage used for storage and as a backdrop for performances.

Deus ex Machina

A plot device where a seemingly unsolvable problem is suddenly resolved by an unexpected intervention.

Comedy

A genre that often includes humor and satirical elements, typically ending happily.

Tragedy

A genre that deals with serious themes, often involving the downfall of a noble character.

Satyr Plays

A form of comic relief that followed tragedies, featuring a chorus of satyrs.

Prologue

The introductory part of a play that sets the stage for the story.

Parados

The first choral ode sung by the chorus after entering the orchestra.

Episodes

The sections of a play where the plot develops through dialogue and action.

Stasima/Stasimon

Choral odes that occur between episodes, reflecting on the themes of the play.

Exodus

The final scene of a play, often containing the moral or resolution.

Chorus

A group of performers who comment on the action and themes of the play.

Choragos/Choragus

The leader of the chorus, responsible for guiding and directing the group.

Hamartia

A tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to the downfall of a character.

Hubris

Excessive pride or self-confidence that often leads to a character's downfall.

Fate

The predetermined course of events that characters cannot escape.

Catharsis

The emotional release experienced by the audience through the unfolding of the tragedy.

Tragic Irony

A situation where the audience knows more about the character's fate than the character does.