Key words- Greek theatre and Antigone Flashcards
Skene
‘scene-building’, originally a hut for changing masks and costumes but eventually became a background.
Orchestra
the place in front of the stage where the chorus performs
Proskenion
narrow raised stage where solo actors perform.
Thymele
A place for sacrifice and/or an altar
Tragedy
a genre of theatre which has an unfortunate ending (death or exile usually)
Exposition
the early part of the play where the audience learns when and where the play is set, who the main characters are and what the main conflict is.
Prologos
the opening of the play, happens before the chorus.
Catharsis
the process of expressing and getting relief from strong repressed emotions
Hamartia
the fatal flaw that leads to the hero or heroine’s downfall
Peripertia
a sudden reversal of fortune or circumstances in a fictional setting
Hubris
excessive pride
Anagnorisis
a point in the story where a character realises another character’s true nature or identity
Dramatic Irony
makes the full significance of a characters words or actions clear to the audience
Comic relief
a character that is purposefully funny to offset more serious events in the story or play
Conflict
a clash or serious disagreement
Stichomythia
dialogue in alternate lines
Protagonist
the main person in a story, normally considered a hero or good guy
Antagonist
the character that opposes the protagonist
Messenger
a character that reports important actions to other characters such as deaths or fights
Oracle
a character that gives wise advice or prophecies to the main characters which is usually ignored
Chorus
a group of actors who comment on the main action or events of the play, usually to exaggerate or clarify points.
Choragus
a wealthy Athenian person who has funded a play or theatrical production during festivals
Strophe
the first section of the choral ode
Antistrophe
the second section of the choral ode
