Greek Literature + Theatre Terms

Key Greek literature and theater terms

Ate

“Blindness,” in which a person cannot see anything but from his point of view (subjectivity).

Hamartia

“Error,” in which mistakes are made not by malice, but in ignorance through misjudgment. This can take place from a character flaw that leads to hamartia.

Hubris

“Wanton insolence,” or arrogant pride that made one think they are higher than the gods, the standard and limits of men, better than all others, and nothing could take him.

Nemesis

“Retribution,” displayed as resentment and anger from the gods towards man as a result of insolence and hubris. It is a destined fate set by previous endeavors.

Peripeteia

“Reversal,” where the opposite of what was planned, expected, or hoped for happens and leads to disaster.

Anagnorisis

“Recognition,” or a “Come to Jesus” moment where a character fully understands the truth about himself, his actions, or another character’s true identity.

Catastrophe

“Overturning,” displayed through a sudden, violent conclusion of a drama or literary work that fulfills the destiny set by the principal actors and should rouse sympathy, pity, and understanding from the audience, according to Aristotle’s Poetics. This is when the character faces the truth in great courage, often suffering or dying for doing so.

Catharsis

“Purification,” in relief from excess and overwhelming emotion, leaving someone in a more balanced and relaxed state of mind. Aristotle believed that tragedy inflicted catharsis on the audience.

Protagonist

The main character who usually interacts with the chorus in an ancient Greek play. In tragedies, the protagonist is typically a person of power or high status (ex: King, Prince) that has a detrimental character flaw that leads them to make a critical error.

Antagonist

The opponent of the protagonist.

Chorus

Bystanders in a play who present odes. The serve a similar purpose as a narrator or background music in a modern film.

Ode

A poem sung in a play or festival

Parode/Parados

A song sung by the chorus when the enter at the beginning of the production.

Stasimon

An ode sung during the play, between episodes of action.

Attica

Peninsula in southern Greece where Athens was located. According to legend, the King of Athens, Theseus, united all 12 Attica states under Athenian rule. The great period of Greek drama is known as the Attic period, from 600