Greek Tragedy Literature

Tragedy

A serious story with a sad ending.

Tragic Hero

A main character with a flaw that leads to their downfall.

Chorus

A group of performers who comment on the play’s events.

Characterization

How a writer describes and develops a character.

Conflict

A struggle between opposing forces in a story.

Dramatic Structure

The way a story is organized (beginning, middle, end).

Foreshadowing

Hints about what will happen later in the story.

Archetypes

Common character types or patterns in stories.

Symbolism

Using objects or events to represent deeper meanings.

Theme

The main idea or message of a story.

Reversal of Fortune (Peripeteia)

A sudden change in a character’s situation.

Moment of Recognition (Anagnorisis)

When a character realizes an important truth.

Catharsis

Emotional release felt by the audience.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows something the characters don’t.

Verbal Irony

Saying one thing but meaning another.

Hamartia

A character’s mistake or flaw that leads to their downfall.

Hubris

Extreme pride that leads to a character’s downfall.