GREEK TRAGEDY

Tragedy

A form of drama that shows the downfall of a dignified or superior character

Relationship to the gods, suffering, fate

Tragic Hero

Main character or protagonist Of high importance and dignified

Tragic flaw

An error in judgment or weakness Tragic Hero Pride or arrogance

Catastrophe

A disaster resulting in multiple deaths

If tragic hero doesn’t die, he suffers complete ruin

Chorus

Masked group of actors that observe and comment on the action through songs

Values reflect those of the audience

Fate

Destiny preordained by the gods

Religious Origin

Classical drama in honor of Greek god, Dionysus

Greek drama = Classical drama

Greek Theatre

Religious festival including ritual chants and songs

Spectacle and pageantry

The Theatre

The skene: backdrop and backstage The theatron: where the audience

sits The orchestra: playing space

between the skene and the theatron

The Actors

All men Wore masks and robes Elevated shoes

Chorus and the Choragus

About 15 of them Leader of the chorus is the choragus Chorus sing and dance between

scenes and give the message of the play

Mythological Sources

Myths are stories about gods and goddesses

Legends are stories about people who believe to have once lived

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows more than the characters do

Greek Deities

Important to know gods and religion Characters honor and fear their gods Much of Greek tragedy’s conflict

comes from gods and people