2. Tragedy  A form of drama that shows the downfall of a dignified or superior character  Relationship to the gods, suffering, fate

3. Tragic Hero  Main character or protagonist  Of high importance and dignified

4. Tragic flaw  An error in judgment or weakness  Tragic Hero  Pride or arrogance

5. Catastrophe  A disaster resulting in multiple deaths  If tragic hero doesn’t die, he suffers complete ruin

6. Chorus  Masked group of actors that observe and comment on the action through songs  Values reflect those of the audience

7. Fate  Destiny preordained by the gods

8. Religious Origin  Classical drama in honor of Greek god, Dionysus  Greek drama = Classical drama

9. Greek Theatre  Religious festival including ritual chants and songs  Spectacle and pageantry

10. The Theatre  The skene: backdrop and backstage  The theatron: where the audience sits  The orchestra: playing space between the skene and the theatron

11. The Actors  All men  Wore masks and robes  Elevated shoes

12. Chorus and the Choragus  About 15 of them  Leader of the chorus is the choragus  Chorus sing and dance between scenes and give the message of the play

13. Mythological Sources  Myths are stories about gods and goddesses  Legends are stories about people who believe to have once lived

14. Dramatic Irony  When the audience knows more than the characters do

15. Greek Deities  Important to know gods and religion  Characters honor and fear their gods  Much of Greek tragedy’s conflict comes from gods and people