English Greek Tragedy Terms

Harmatia

a fatal flaw or crucial error that leads to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine

Hubris

excessive pride toward or defiance of the gods, leading to retribution or nemesis

Peripeteia

a sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances, often for the worse, in a tragic narrative

Catharsis

the purging or purification of emotions, particularly pity and fear, experienced by an audience as they witness the suffering and downfall of a tragic hero

Deus Ex Machina

a plot device whereby a seemingly unsolvable problem is suddenly resolved by an unexpected intervention, often involving a god or divine being

Parados

the entrance song of the chorus in a Greek tragedy, marking its first appearance in the play.

Chorus

a group of performers who comment on the action through song, dance, and spoken word, serving to provide context, moral commentary, and a connection between the audience and the story

Prologue

the opening scene, usually a monologue or dialogue, that sets the stage by introducing essential information such as the setting, characters, key themes, and the central conflict

Choragos

a wealthy Athenian citizen who, as a public duty, financed the training, costumes, and other associated costs for a theatrical production's chorus and extras. The term can also refer to the actual chorus leader, or coryphaeus, who had speaking lines and interacted with the other actors

Ode

a lyrical poem sung by the chorus, often with musical accompaniment, that provides commentary on the play's events and themes

Exodus

the final scene and departure from the stage, often a section of dialogue and choral commentary that concludes the play and provides resolution by tying up plot threads and reinforcing the play's themes

Zeus

King of the Olympian Gods, the god of the sky and thunder, and the supreme ruler of the ancient Greek religion

Athena

ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, war strategy, crafts, weaving, and the defense of cities

Apollo

music, art, poetry, healing, medicine, knowledge, prophecy, archery, and the sun and light

Dionysus

god of wine, ecstasy, madness, fertility, and theater

Artemis

goddess of the hunt, wilderness, wild animals, chastity, and childbirth

Hermes

messenger of the Olympian gods, but also associated with commerce, trade, travelers, roads, thieves, athletes, invention, and wit