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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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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'.