Greek Tragedy Literary Devices and Terms: Definitions and Concepts

Hubris

excessive pride or self confidence

Hamartia

fatal flaw that cause the hero or heroine's downfall

Catharsis

purging of emotions. The sadness the audience feels knowing that all these good people have died because they felt they had no other option.

Peripeteia

sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances

Prologue

the introduction to a play that sets the scene or gives background information

Exposition

the part of the play that provides essential background information about characters, setting, or events

Foil

a character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular traits

Dramatic Irony

when the audience knows something that the characters do not

Tragic Flaw

another term for hamartia; a character weakness that leads to downfall

Climax

the turning point of the play where the main conflict reaches its peak

Denouement

the resolution or conclusion of a play, where conflicts are resolved

Aside

a remark by a character intended to be heard by the audience but not by other characters

Monologue

a long speech delivered by a character to express their thoughts aloud

Soliloquy

a type of monologue where a character speaks their inner thoughts when alone on stage

Stage Directions

instructions in the script that indicate movement, position, or tone

Chorus

a group of performers who comment on the action, reflect public opinion, or provide background information

Stasimon

a choral ode performed between episodes in Greek tragedy

Episode

a scene in a Greek tragedy where characters interact; alternates with choral odes

Parodos

the first entrance of the chorus in a Greek play

Exodos

the final scene or exit of the chorus at the end of a Greek tragedy

Agon

a formal debate or contest in a Greek play, often between characters or ideas

Kommos

a lyrical lament sung by characters and chorus together, usually in moments of great emotion

Parrhesia

speaking truth to power