Greek Terms

2. A dramatic genre that uses humor, satire, and absurdity, often with political and social commentary.
3. The Greek god associated with theatre, wine, and revelry.
5. The Greek word meaning “a place for viewing,” where audiences sat.
7. A sudden reversal of fortune, often leading to the protagonist’s downfall.
11. The playwright known for Old Comedy, writing Lysistrata.
14. A form of Greek theatre mixing tragedy with bawdy humor, often featuring half-goat creatures.
15. A major theme in Greek tragedy, often depicted as unavoidable and determined by the gods.
16. Standardized characters in Roman comedy, such as the clever slave or the braggart soldier.
17. The tragic hero who unknowingly fulfills a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother.
19. Excessive pride or arrogance, often leading to a character’s downfall.
20. A tragic flaw or mistake leading to the downfall of the protagonist.
21. Aristotle’s term for the imitation of life in art and theatre.

1. A plot device in which a seemingly unsolvable problem is suddenly resolved by an unexpected event, often a god in Greek theatre.
2. A group of performers in Greek theatre who comment on the action of the play.
4. The main character in a story, often the one who faces the central conflict.
6. Considered the first actor, stepping out of the chorus to speak individually.
8. The moment of realization or discovery for the protagonist.
9. The emotional release felt by the audience at the end of a tragedy.
10. Early performances were often tied to this practice, blending religion and performance.
12. The character, force, or situation that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict.
13. The circular space in front of the stage where the chorus performed in Greek theatre.
18. A dramatic form dealing with human suffering, often ending in catastrophe.
22. The Greek playwright who introduced a third actor and wrote Oedipus Rex.