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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 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.

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

Greek tragedies often teach a moral lesson, warning against excessive pride or disrespect to the gods, such as in 'Antigone', where Creon's refusal to bury Polynices leads to tragedy.

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.

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.

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.