Structure of Greek play

The structure (plot) of the Greek play:

• A play opened with a prologue spoken by an actor who usually had no other role in the drama

• The prologue is followed by the Chorus to provide what is called as Parodos : a general lyrical commentary

• After the parodos, the play begins with a dialogue. Each section of the dialogue is called an episode. The play consist of several episodes separated from each other by the songs of the Chorus.

The chorus’ songs:

• The first song of the Chorus that follow the first episode is called the Stasimon

• At the end of the play there is a song that is called the Commos in which the actors participate in the chorus.

• The last part of the play is called the Exodus

A Greek Tragedy

• Is a well organized story; it has a beginning a middle and an end

• It has to illustrate the principle of tragedy and show the downfall of a hero who is from a higher rank (like a prince or a famous warrior). The hero must commit a mistake as a result of his pride (or hubris) and that mistake leads to his disaster (or Catastrophe)

• The tragic suffering of the hero arouse the feelings of fear and pity in the audience. The effect of such feelings is to produce emotional purgation (or catharsis)

Modern Tragedy Structure (plot)• Consists of 5 parts:• 1- Introduction: in which the character and story

are introduced• 2- Development or complications that marks the

progress of the play towards the climax• 3- Climax: when the hero has to make a decision or

choice that will affect his fortune• 4- Denouement: when the action moves towards

the catastrophe and the complications are resolved• 5- Catastrophe: the tragic end in which the hero

usually loses his life

Differences between Classical Drama and Modern Drama

Classical \Greek Drama• Religious plays - a play was an act of

worship• Stories are based on well- known

legends or tales.• Open -air stage • Curtains were NOT used• The play is NOT divided into acts or

scenes• The three unities rule was followed • Only one story • Characters were mythological

legends ( larger than life/super heroes/ Demi-gods)

• Fate plays an important part in the story

• Chorus existed

Modern Drama• the purpose of the modern plays is

to provide aesthetic entertainment • Invented stories by the playwright• Closed roof building • Curtains were used • The play was divided into acts and

scenes.• The Three unities rule wasnot

followed• May have many stories• Characters were ordinary normal

people not royalty not demi-gods • Hero’s flaw plays an important role

in the story• Chorus disappeared