Greek Drama = Tragedy

04/18/23 1

04/18/23 2

Terms to RecallACT: long section of a play/drama SCENE: division of acts at key transitions in location or action

Main Character Types

PROTAGONIST: main character must face primary

conflict ANTAGONIST:

one who acts against protagonist

creates conflict not always a “villain”

04/18/23 3

Round vs. Flat

Round

multi-dimensional variable personality

Flat lacks dimension only see one main aspect

of personality

04/18/23 4

Dynamic v. Static

Changes throughout the course of the narration Shows significant effects of conflicts

04/18/23 5

Dynamic

StaticDoes not significantly change during the narrationSeems to not be affected much by the conflicts

04/18/23 6

Foils highlight each other’s differences not necessarily enemies a “love/hate” or “can’t live with you/can’t live

without you” kind of relationship basis of partnerships in literature/film

Sherlock and Watson bickering

04/18/23 7

Greek Amphitheater Layout

04/18/23 8

04/18/23 9

GREEK DRAMA TERMS Chorus: group sings/chants during

the performance to represent the feelings of the general public

Choragos: chorus leader

04/18/23 10

GREEK DRAMA TERMS

Parados: chorus comes on stage to signal the startExodus: chorus signals the conclusion and moves off stage

04/18/23 11

Strophe: chorus moves right-to-left and summarizes the main action of the scene

Antistrophe: chorus immediately moves opposite direction and leads into next scene

Literary Terms:

Ode: chorus pays tribute to idea or person; express deep thoughts

Paean: chorus invokes the intervention of the gods to help

04/18/23 12

04/18/23 13

Tragic Flaw

Personality trait that causes the protagonist to make a poor decision, usually with a fatal consequence

Hubris = excessive pride often the tragic flaw in Greek tragedies

04/18/23 14

Catharsis

The release of emotional tension following the acceptance of a traumatic event

Usually brought on by art, music, a ceremony (funeral), etc.

04/18/23 15

So, do you remember that story about Oedipus…? The family photo album will never be the same.

04/18/23 16

04/18/23 17

Key Details Curse on Thebes’ royal baby taken to die in

wilderness adopted by shepherd as adult, challenges Sphinx saves Thebes kills man who insulted him along journey (dad/king) Thebes views a hero marries widowed Queen (mom) 4 children (Antigone, Ismene, Eteocles, Polyneices) Oedipus learns true identity from Tieresias (prophet) exiles himself Creon takes over Polyneices fights against Thebes not buried properly (traitor) the play ANTIGONE begins.