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Excessive pride or self-confidence leading to downfall. Examples include King Creon in 'Antigone' or Oedipus in 'Oedipus Rex'.

The protagonist's tragic flaw that leads to their downfall. Oedipus in 'Oedipus Rex' has a lack of self-knowledge, and Pentheus in 'The Bacchae' has arrogance.

A rightful retribution, often the result of a character's hubris. Example: Agamemnon's return in 'Agamemnon' leads to his murder as retribution for his past actions.

Moment of critical discovery or recognition by the protagonist of some truth about their identity or situation, such as when Oedipus in 'Oedipus Rex' realizes his true parentage.

A sudden reversal of fortune for the protagonist, such as in 'Oedipus Rex', when Oedipus's investigation into the murder of Laius backfires.

The emotional release experienced by the audience, resulting from the tragic downfall of the protagonist. Aristotle described it as purging of emotions of pity and fear.

The interplay between predestined events and the protagonist's choices, exemplified in plays like 'Oedipus Rex', where Oedipus is unable to escape his prophesied fate.

A group of characters who comment on the action and emotions of the play, providing background information and reactions. They are central in plays like 'Oedipus Rex' and 'Antigone'.

The concept of pollution or defilement, often in a moral or spiritual sense, which must be cleansed. In 'Oedipus Rex', the city suffers until the miasma of the former king's murder is lifted.