An introduction to Greek Tragedy
Professor Edith Hall about tragedy and suffering
Professor Edith Hall about the Greek chorus
Greek tragedy - characteristics
Professor Edith Hall about Euripidean tragedy
The performance and historical context for Greek tragedy
About Greek Tragedy
Greek Tragedy - Cambridge Academic Links
The structure of a Greek Tragedy was fairly standard.
- Prologue: The introduction to the the main character and background of the play.
- Parodos: The entrance song of the chorus. Sets the tone of the play.
- Episode: Dialogue between characters and chorus.
- Stasima: At the end of each episode, the chorus reflects on what has been said and done.
- The play flips back and forth between Episode and Stasima three to six times.
- Exodos: The final resolution. (Source)
The elements of a Greek comedy are pretty straightforward:
- Prologue: Sets the tone.
- Parode: The chorus enters. This section is sung.
- Agon: The word means contest. This section is a debate between characters. Whoever speaks first always loses.
- Parabasis: The chorus speaks directly to the audience. There are more than one of these. These are the modern theatre equivalent of the 'aside.'
- Episodes: Dialogue between characters which elaborates on the Agon.
- Exode: The final exit with the suggestion that everyone is off to a revel or celebration. (Source)
