Discover published sets by community

The opening section of a Greek tragedy that sets the scene and gives background information. Example: In 'Antigone', the prologue establishes the previous events leading up to Antigone's decision to bury her brother.

The moment of realization or discovery, particularly pertaining to the protagonist's true identity or nature of his situation. Example: In 'Oedipus Rex', the anagnorisis is when Oedipus recognizes he has killed his father and married his mother.

Excessive pride or self-confidence that leads to the downfall of a character. Example: In 'Oedipus Rex', Oedipus's hubris leads him to defy the gods, resulting in his tragic fate.

A fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine. Example: In 'Oedipus Rex', Oedipus's hamartia is his ignorance of his true parentage.

Two parts of the choral ode in Greek tragedy, moving in opposite directions. Example: In 'Oedipus Rex', the chorus performs these movements as they comment on the unfolding drama.

The final scene or departure in a Greek tragedy. Example: In 'Oedipus Rex', the exodos occurs after Oedipus blinds himself and is exiled from Thebes.

The backdrop or scenery building behind the stage in a Greek theatre, often painted to represent the setting. Example: In Greek tragedies, the skene could represent a palace, temple, or other structures relevant to the play.

Pollution or stain of a spiritual nature often depicted as resulting from a crime like murder. Example: In 'Oedipus Rex', Thebes is beset by a plague due to the miasma of the previous king's murder.

An element in drama that evokes pity or sadness. Example: The pathos is evident in 'Antigone' when we feel pity for Antigone who is doomed to die for her beliefs.

The emotional release felt by the audience at the end of a tragic drama. Example: At the end of 'Antigone', the audience experiences catharsis after the tragic events unfold.

A sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances. Example: In 'Oedipus Rex', the peripeteia occurs when a messenger brings news that leads to Oedipus's realization of his true parentage.

A righteous infliction of retribution, often personified by a character in Greek drama. Example: In 'Antigone', Nemesis can be seen as the fate that befalls Creon for his hubris against the gods.

Irony that occurs when the meaning of the situation is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play. Example: In 'Oedipus Rex', the audience knows Oedipus's true identity well before he does, creating tragic irony.

A group of characters in Greek tragedy, which comment on the action of a play without participation in it. Example: In 'Antigone', the chorus comments on the action and expresses traditional moral, social, and religious views of the time.