Greek Drama and Greek Tragedy -What are the characteristics of Greek drama? -What are the characteristics of Greek tragedy? -What is a tragic hero?

Greek Drama It began around the 5th century BC. Most Greek dramas fell into the category of Comedy or Tragedy. It began as hymns sung for and dances dedicated to Dionysus, the god of plant and animal life. All Greek dramas were written for the annual Athenian Spring festival of Dionysus.

Greek Drama The festival began at dawn and lasted four days. Many dramatists (playwrights) became famous in their lifetime for their productions.

Three dramatists were chosen each year to compete. Prizes were offered for the best plays at the end of the fourth day. Famous Greek dramatists: Thespis, Aeschylus, and Sophocles.

How it all began… The chorus originally told the story in the earliest Greek plays. They represented the common people and often gave insights into the play. The leader of the chorus was known as the choragus. Thespis, in the late 6th century, had a member of the chorus step out and “answer” or speak to the chorus. This member of the chorus became the first actor. From Thespis, comes the word “thespian,” which means actor.

The origins of Greek drama… Aeschylus later added a second actor, and Sophocles, the author of “Antigone,” added a third. Thus, Greek drama was born. The dramas were usually about epics, lyrics, and myths the audience were already familiar with.

Characteristics of Greek Drama All actors were male Played multiple Parts and wore masks to differentiate characters First they were simply lined up and would step forward to deliver their parts, only later would more motion and acting as we know it today become involved. There was no violence on stage – all occurred off stage

Characteristics of Greek Drama Everything happens in the same location across a unified period of time The plays were performed outside at the base of a hillside. It formed a natural amphitheater.

The Greek Stage There was a small stage behind the orchestra where the actors delivered their lines. The building that provided the backdrop for the stage was also used as a dressing room.

There was a movable platform which could bring parts of the stage closer to the audience. There was also a crane attached to the roof of the stage building to lower actors who were playing gods and goddesses.

Characteristics of Greek Tragedy Often deals with the fall of a person of high degree, someone with dignity, superior in power and position Emphasize the idea that man is doomed, either by his own actions or fate

Greek Tragedy con’t… Man can be measured by the manner in which he faces his failures Tragedies were intended to provide catharsis for the members of the audience, a purification of sorts Action would build throughout the play leading to a catastrophe ending in a disastrous conclusion.

Plot Diagram

The Tragic Hero Can not be all good or all bad Protagonist in conflict with antagonist Should be someone the audience sympathizes with Twists of fate often play a key role in death Possesses a tragic flaw

The Tragic Hero con’t… Aristotle’s theory of the tragic flaw: the hero often realizes his or her flaw and its consequences, but only after it’s too late to stop the course of events that have been put into motion The Tragic Flaw = a character trait that causes a hero’s down fall

Sophocles, the author of “Antigone” He wrote 123 plays; 24 of them won first prize, and the rest won second. He was the first playwright to have three actors on stage at once. “Antigone” is considered one of his greatest works. He never left an official version of any of his plays. Many actors later added and cut various passages from his plays, so only seven of them have survived to the present.