Glossary

6.4 Tragic plot structure

12 min read•august 21, 2024

Greek tragedy follows a specific structure to create powerful emotional experiences. Understanding these elements reveals how ancient playwrights crafted stories for maximum impact. The plot structure works together to explore complex themes and human nature.

Aristotle identified six key parts of tragedy: plot, character, thought, diction, melody, and spectacle. The plot focuses on a single conflict, with events causally linked. This structure builds tension and explores fate's role in human affairs.

Elements of tragic plot

  • Greek tragedy employs a specific structure to create powerful emotional and philosophical experiences for the audience
  • Understanding the elements of tragic plot provides insight into how ancient playwrights crafted their stories to achieve maximum impact
  • These elements work together to create a cohesive narrative that explores complex themes and human nature

Aristotle's six parts

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  • Plot (mythos) forms the foundation of tragedy, considered the most important element by Aristotle
  • Character (ethos) reveals moral purpose and personality traits of individuals in the play
  • Thought (dianoia) expresses ideas and themes through dialogue and actions
  • Diction (lexis) refers to the language and style used in the play
  • Melody (melos) encompasses the musical elements, including the chorus's songs
  • Spectacle (opsis) involves the visual aspects of the production, such as costumes and stage design

Unity of action

  • Focuses on a single, central conflict or issue throughout the entire play
  • Eliminates subplots and extraneous events to maintain narrative cohesion
  • Ensures all events and characters contribute directly to the main storyline
  • Enhances the audience's emotional engagement by maintaining a clear focus
  • Exemplified in plays like () where every scene relates to the central mystery

Causal chain of events

  • Each event in the plot logically leads to the next, creating a sense of inevitability
  • Actions of characters have direct consequences that drive the story forward
  • Establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship between plot points
  • Reinforces the idea of fate and destiny in Greek tragedy
  • Demonstrated in (), where past actions lead to present consequences

Exposition and inciting incident

  • Introduces the audience to the world of the play and sets the stage for the upcoming conflict
  • Provides essential background information to understand the characters and their motivations
  • Establishes the tone and atmosphere of the tragedy, often hinting at the impending doom

Character introduction

  • Presents the protagonist and other key characters to the audience
  • Reveals initial personality traits, social status, and relationships between characters
  • Often accomplished through dialogue, monologues, or interactions with the chorus
  • May include backstory or past events that shape the characters' present situations
  • Seen in (), where the nurse's opening speech introduces Medea and Jason's history

Setting establishment

  • Describes the time and place where the action occurs
  • Provides context for the social, political, or religious environment of the play
  • Often includes references to specific locations or landmarks within the Greek world
  • May involve descriptions of the physical stage set or imaginary locations offstage
  • Exemplified in (), which establishes the post-war setting in Thebes

Initial conflict presentation

  • Introduces the central problem or dilemma that will drive the plot forward
  • Often involves a clash between characters or between a character and societal norms
  • May be presented through a prophecy, a decree, or a character's decision
  • Sets the stage for the and subsequent complications
  • Seen in (Oedipus Rex) with the plague in Thebes and the oracle's pronouncement

Rising action and complications

  • Develops the central conflict introduced in the , increasing tension and stakes
  • Reveals more about the characters' motivations, relationships, and inner struggles
  • Builds anticipation for the by presenting obstacles and challenges

Escalating tension

  • Introduces new conflicts or intensifies existing ones to heighten dramatic impact
  • Reveals additional information that complicates the protagonist's situation
  • Often involves confrontations between characters with opposing goals or beliefs
  • May include moments of near-discovery or close calls that increase suspense
  • Demonstrated in (Antigone) as Creon's edict clashes with Antigone's determination

Obstacles and challenges

  • Presents difficulties that the protagonist must overcome to achieve their goals
  • Can be external (physical barriers, antagonists) or internal (moral dilemmas, fears)
  • Often reveals the protagonist's strengths and weaknesses through their responses
  • May involve tests of character or loyalty that force difficult choices
  • Seen in (Prometheus Bound) with Prometheus facing various visitors and threats

Character development

  • Shows how characters change or reveal new aspects of themselves under pressure
  • Deepens audience understanding of characters' motivations and inner conflicts
  • May involve characters making decisions that have far-reaching consequences
  • Often includes moments of self-discovery or realization about one's true nature
  • Exemplified in (Medea) as the title character's rage and determination grow

Climax and turning point

  • Represents the highest point of tension and the moment of greatest dramatic impact
  • Often involves a crucial decision or action that determines the protagonist's fate
  • Marks a shift in the balance of power or understanding within the play

Moment of crisis

  • Presents the protagonist with a critical situation that demands immediate action
  • Often involves a confrontation between opposing forces or ideas
  • May reveal hidden truths or force characters to face their deepest fears
  • Typically occurs near the end of the play, though some tragedies have multiple crises
  • Seen in (Oedipus Rex) when Oedipus finally learns the truth about his identity

Protagonist's crucial decision

  • Shows the main character making a choice that will determine the outcome of the play
  • Often involves a moral dilemma or a conflict between personal desires and duty
  • Reveals the protagonist's true character and values under extreme pressure
  • May be influenced by the protagonist's or
  • Exemplified in (Antigone) when Antigone chooses to bury her brother despite the consequences

Reversal of fortune

  • Marks a sudden change in the protagonist's circumstances, often from good to bad
  • Known as in Greek tragedy, it's a key element in creating tragic effect
  • May result from the protagonist's own actions or from external forces
  • Often accompanied by a moment of recognition or
  • Demonstrated in (Oedipus Rex) when Oedipus's quest for truth leads to his downfall

Falling action and consequences

  • Follows the climax and shows the immediate effects of the turning point
  • Begins to resolve plot threads and reveal the full impact of characters' choices
  • Prepares the audience for the final tragic outcome

Aftermath of climax

  • Depicts the direct results of the protagonist's crucial decision or the climactic event
  • Often shows characters dealing with shock, grief, or the realization of their mistakes
  • May include scenes of punishment, exile, or characters coming to terms with their fate
  • Can reveal how secondary characters are affected by the protagonist's actions
  • Seen in (Medea) after she carries out her revenge against Jason

Unraveling of plot threads

  • Resolves secondary conflicts or subplots that were introduced earlier in the play
  • Reveals final pieces of information that complete the audience's understanding
  • May include explanations of past events or motivations that were previously unclear
  • Often involves characters piecing together the full picture of what has occurred
  • Exemplified in (Oedipus Rex) as the full extent of Oedipus's tragic history is revealed

Character reactions

  • Shows how different characters respond to the climactic events and their aftermath
  • May include lamentations, accusations, or attempts to assign blame
  • Often reveals changes in characters' relationships or attitudes towards each other
  • Can provide commentary on the themes of the play through characters' reflections
  • Demonstrated in (Antigone) as Creon faces the consequences of his actions

Catastrophe and resolution

  • Represents the final outcome of the tragic plot, often involving death or great suffering
  • Brings the central conflict to a close and restores a sense of order to the world of the play
  • Provides emotional release for the audience through

Final tragic outcome

  • Depicts the ultimate consequences of the protagonist's actions and decisions
  • Often involves the death of the protagonist or other major characters
  • May show the downfall of a noble house or the destruction of a city
  • Reveals the full extent of the tragedy and its impact on the characters' world
  • Seen in (Medea) with the deaths of Medea's children and her escape from justice

Emotional catharsis

  • Provides a release of pent-up emotions for the audience through the tragic ending
  • Involves feelings of pity and fear as defined by Aristotle in his Poetics
  • Allows viewers to experience intense emotions in a safe, controlled environment
  • May lead to a sense of emotional purification or renewal after the play
  • Achieved in (Oedipus Rex) through the protagonist's suffering and self-blinding

Restoration of order

  • Reestablishes balance in the world of the play after the chaos of the tragic events
  • May involve the punishment of wrongdoers or the ascension of a new ruler
  • Often includes reflections on justice, fate, or the will of the gods
  • Can provide closure for the audience and reinforce the play's moral lessons
  • Exemplified in (Antigone) with Creon's repentance and the reaffirmation of divine law

Dramatic irony in plot

  • Occurs when the audience possesses knowledge that characters in the play do not
  • Creates tension and anticipation as viewers watch characters act in ignorance
  • Enhances the tragic effect by highlighting the inevitability of the protagonist's fate

Audience vs character knowledge

  • Establishes a gap between what the audience knows and what characters understand
  • Often involves the audience being aware of a character's true identity or fate
  • Creates dramatic tension as viewers anticipate characters discovering the truth
  • May evoke feelings of frustration or pity as characters make misguided decisions
  • Seen throughout (Oedipus Rex) as Oedipus unknowingly investigates his own crimes

Foreshadowing techniques

  • Hints at future events or reveals through subtle clues or prophecies
  • Often involves seemingly innocuous statements that gain significance later
  • May use symbolic objects or events to suggest upcoming tragedies
  • Enhances the sense of inevitability and fate in Greek tragedy
  • Demonstrated in (Agamemnon) with the red carpet foreshadowing Agamemnon's death

Tragic inevitability

  • Creates a sense that the protagonist's downfall is unavoidable due to fate or character flaws
  • Often reinforced through prophecies, curses, or the intervention of gods
  • Builds tension as the audience watches characters unknowingly move towards their doom
  • May involve characters actively trying to avoid their fate, only to fulfill it
  • Exemplified in (Oedipus Rex) where attempts to prevent the prophecy ensure its fulfillment

Chorus role in plot structure

  • Serves multiple functions in Greek tragedy, acting as both narrator and participant
  • Provides a link between the audience and the action on stage
  • Offers commentary and reflection on the events of the play

Commentary and reflection

  • Offers interpretations and moral judgments on the actions of the characters
  • Expresses the collective wisdom or values of society within the play
  • May provide historical or mythological context for the events unfolding
  • Often uses odes or songs to explore themes and emotions in poetic language
  • Seen in (Antigone) where the chorus reflects on human nature and divine law

Plot advancement

  • Interacts with characters to reveal information or advance the story
  • May act as a messenger, reporting offstage events to the audience
  • Can question characters, prompting them to explain their motivations or plans
  • Sometimes participates directly in the action, influencing characters' decisions
  • Demonstrated in (Oedipus Rex) when the chorus suggests consulting Tiresias

Thematic reinforcement

  • Emphasizes key themes and ideas through repetition and poetic language
  • Often uses mythological allusions to connect the play's events to larger patterns
  • May provide a moral or philosophical framework for interpreting the action
  • Helps to create unity within the play by tying together different plot elements
  • Exemplified in (Medea) where the chorus explores themes of justice and revenge

Peripeteia and anagnorisis

  • Two key concepts in Aristotle's theory of tragedy that often occur together
  • Create powerful emotional effects and drive the plot towards its conclusion
  • Reveal the true nature of characters and their situations

Sudden reversal of circumstances

  • Marks a dramatic shift in the protagonist's fortunes, typically from good to bad
  • Often results from a character's own actions or decisions
  • May involve the revelation of hidden information that changes everything
  • Creates a sense of shock or surprise for both characters and audience
  • Seen in (Oedipus Rex) when Oedipus's investigation reveals his true identity

Moment of recognition

  • Represents a sudden realization or discovery that changes a character's understanding
  • Often involves the protagonist recognizing their true identity or the nature of their actions
  • May be accompanied by intense emotions such as horror, grief, or despair
  • Can lead to a change in the character's behavior or attitude
  • Demonstrated in (Electra) when Orestes reveals his identity to his sister

Impact on protagonist's fate

  • Often seals the protagonist's doom or sets in motion the final tragic events
  • May lead to the fulfillment of earlier prophecies or curses
  • Can reveal the full extent of the protagonist's hamartia or tragic flaw
  • Often triggers the and moves the plot towards its conclusion
  • Exemplified in (Oedipus Rex) where recognition leads to Oedipus's self-punishment

Hamartia and tragic flaw

  • Central concept in Aristotle's theory of tragedy, explaining the protagonist's downfall
  • Adds complexity to characters and makes them more relatable to the audience
  • Drives the plot by creating internal conflict and influencing character decisions

Character's fatal error

  • Represents a mistake or moral failing that leads to the protagonist's downfall
  • May stem from a personality trait such as pride, ambition, or jealousy
  • Often involves a misunderstanding or misjudgment of a crucial situation
  • Can be a single action or a pattern of behavior throughout the play
  • Seen in (Oedipus Rex) with Oedipus's pride and determination to uncover the truth

Relationship to plot progression

  • Influences the protagonist's decisions and actions throughout the play
  • Often creates or exacerbates conflicts with other characters
  • May lead the protagonist to ignore warnings or make poor choices
  • Becomes more apparent as the plot progresses and tensions rise
  • Demonstrated in (Antigone) where Creon's stubbornness drives the tragic events

Consequences for protagonist

  • Results in the protagonist's suffering, downfall, or death
  • Often affects not only the protagonist but also those close to them
  • May lead to the destruction of the protagonist's family or kingdom
  • Can result in the protagonist gaining wisdom or self-awareness, but at a great cost
  • Exemplified in (Medea) where Medea's vengeful nature leads to personal tragedy

Time and space in tragic plot

  • Plays a crucial role in structuring the narrative and creating dramatic tension
  • Often adheres to the unities of time, place, and action as described by Aristotle
  • Influences how events are presented and how the audience experiences the story

Linear vs non-linear structure

  • Most Greek tragedies follow a linear structure, with events occurring in chronological order
  • Some plays use flashbacks or reported events to provide background information
  • Non-linear elements can create suspense or reveal information at crucial moments
  • May involve prophecies or oracles that connect past, present, and future events
  • Seen in (Oedipus Rex) where past events are gradually revealed through the investigation

Offstage events

  • Important actions often occur offstage and are reported by messengers or the chorus
  • Allows for the depiction of violent or supernatural events without staging limitations
  • Creates suspense as the audience waits to hear the outcome of offstage actions
  • May be used to focus attention on characters' reactions rather than the events themselves
  • Demonstrated in (Medea) where the deaths of Glauce and Creon occur offstage

Unity of time and place

  • Many Greek tragedies take place in a single location over the course of one day
  • Creates a sense of urgency and intensity as events unfold rapidly
  • Allows for continuous action without breaks or scene changes
  • May use reported events or character entrances to bring in outside information
  • Exemplified in (Antigone) which takes place entirely outside the royal palace of Thebes

Key Terms to Review (29)

Aeschylus: Aeschylus was an ancient Greek playwright, often referred to as the father of tragedy. He significantly developed the dramatic form and introduced elements such as a second actor and more complex plot structures, paving the way for the evolution of theater in ancient Greece. His works often delve into themes of justice, fate, and the divine, shaping the role of tragic heroes and the structure of tragic narratives.
Agamemnon: Agamemnon is a central figure in Greek tragedy, known as the King of Mycenae and leader of the Greek forces during the Trojan War. His actions and decisions are pivotal in understanding themes such as honor, sacrifice, and the tragic consequences of hubris, making him a key character in various mythological narratives and tragedies.
Anagnorisis: Anagnorisis is a moment in a play, especially in Greek tragedy, where a character makes a critical discovery about their true identity or the reality of their situation. This often leads to a significant shift in their understanding and can dramatically affect the course of the plot, emphasizing themes such as fate, hubris, and the complexity of human experience.
Antigone: Antigone is a tragedy by Sophocles that tells the story of a young woman who defies the king's orders to honor her deceased brother with a proper burial. This play highlights key themes such as individual morality versus state law, the consequences of hubris, and the struggle against fate, all central to the tragic hero's journey and the broader context of ancient Greek theater.
Antistrophe: Antistrophe is a term used in Greek tragedy to refer to the second part of a choral ode, where the chorus responds to the themes presented in the first part, called the strophe. This structure not only emphasizes the dramatic progression of the narrative but also enhances the emotional impact of the performance, showcasing the interplay between characters and the collective voice of the chorus.
Catharsis: Catharsis is the emotional release experienced by the audience of a tragedy, leading to a sense of purification or renewal. This concept is central to Greek tragedy, as it allows the audience to experience intense feelings of pity and fear, which are ultimately resolved, leaving them with a sense of emotional relief. It connects to various elements of tragic narratives, including character development and plot structure, as well as the overall impact of the theatrical experience.
Choral Ode: A choral ode is a lyrical stanza sung by the chorus in Greek tragedy, typically positioned between episodes of dialogue to comment on the action, themes, or moral implications of the narrative. This form not only serves to enhance the emotional depth of the play but also allows for a reflective pause, providing insight into characters' motivations and the unfolding drama.
Climax: The climax is the turning point in a narrative, where the main conflict reaches its highest intensity, leading to a change in the protagonist's situation. This moment is crucial because it determines the direction of the story, whether towards resolution or further complications. In Greek tragedy, the climax often involves the protagonist's realization of their hubris and the consequences that follow, making it a pivotal moment that sets the stage for the tragic outcome.
Dramatic Irony: Dramatic irony is a literary device where the audience knows more about a situation than the characters in the story, creating tension and engagement. This device often highlights the contrast between appearance and reality, adding depth to character motivations and plot development.
Epode: An epode is a part of a choral ode in ancient Greek tragedy, typically delivered by the chorus after the strophe and antistrophe. It serves to conclude the lyrical sequence and often reflects on the themes or events presented in the preceding sections. The structure of the epode allows for a shift in tone and mood, providing a deeper commentary on the narrative and emotional state of the characters.
Euripides: Euripides was an ancient Greek playwright, known for his innovative and often controversial approach to tragedy, which emphasized character psychology and complex moral dilemmas. His works frequently challenged traditional values and explored themes such as gender, social injustice, and the human condition, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of Greek theater.
Exodus: In the context of Greek tragedy, the exodus refers to the final scene or concluding section of a play, where the resolution of the plot occurs, and characters often exit the stage. This part typically follows the last choral ode and serves to wrap up the narrative, allowing for reflections on themes and moral lessons that have unfolded throughout the play.
Exposition: Exposition refers to the introduction of background information within a narrative, providing context and setting up the story's key elements. In tragedies, exposition lays the groundwork for the plot, reveals character motivations, and highlights crucial themes, making it essential for understanding the unfolding drama and the implications of characters' choices.
Falling Action: Falling action refers to the events that unfold after the climax of a story, leading towards the resolution. In the context of Greek tragedy, this part of the plot is crucial as it shows the consequences of the protagonist's actions and decisions, often resulting in further complications and tension that hint at the inevitable downfall.
Fate vs. Free Will: Fate vs. free will is a central theme in Greek tragedy that examines the extent to which human actions are determined by destiny versus the choices individuals make. This theme often creates tension in narratives, as characters grapple with their perceived ability to influence their own lives while facing inevitable outcomes predetermined by the gods or cosmic order.
Hamartia: Hamartia refers to a tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to the downfall of a tragic hero. This concept is crucial in understanding the nature of tragedy, as it illustrates how the protagonist's own actions, often stemming from their character or decisions, can contribute to their demise.
Hubris: Hubris refers to excessive pride or self-confidence that often leads to a downfall, particularly in the context of Greek tragedy. It is a critical flaw in tragic heroes that can result in catastrophic consequences, illustrating the tension between human agency and divine will.
Medea: Medea is a tragic figure from Greek mythology, specifically known from the play written by Euripides. She embodies the complexities of human emotion and the consequences of betrayal, which lead her to commit horrific acts in pursuit of revenge. Her story interweaves themes of passion, vengeance, and the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society, making her a quintessential character for examining traits of tragic heroes and societal norms.
Moral Ambiguity: Moral ambiguity refers to situations where the right course of action is unclear or where conflicting moral principles make it difficult to determine what is just. In the context of Greek tragedy, this often plays out through characters and their decisions, as well as the consequences that arise from those choices, leading to complex narratives that question absolute notions of good and evil.
Oedipus Rex: Oedipus Rex, also known as Oedipus the King, is a Greek tragedy by Sophocles that tells the story of Oedipus, a man doomed to fulfill a prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother. This play exemplifies the characteristics of tragic heroes, explores themes of fate versus free will, and showcases the dramatic structure and conventions of ancient Greek theater.
Parodos: Parodos refers to the entry song of the chorus in Greek tragedy, performed as they enter the orchestra. It serves both as a way for the chorus to introduce themselves and to set the emotional and thematic tone of the play, connecting to various elements such as stage design, plot structure, and musical performance.
Pathos: Pathos is a rhetorical device that evokes emotions in the audience, aiming to create feelings of pity, sympathy, or sorrow. In Greek tragedy, pathos plays a crucial role as it connects the audience to the characters' suffering and dilemmas, intensifying the emotional experience of the narrative. It often arises from the characters' flaws and situations, leading to moments that emphasize human vulnerability and provoke reflection.
Peripeteia: Peripeteia refers to a sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances, especially in a dramatic work. This key moment often transforms the protagonist's situation from good to bad or vice versa, driving the narrative toward its climax and subsequent resolution.
Resolution: Resolution refers to the part of a tragic plot where the conflict reaches its conclusion, leading to the final outcome of the narrative. This moment often brings closure to the story and reveals the fates of the characters, marking a significant transition from chaos to order, or in tragedy, from despair to acceptance of the consequences of their actions. It is critical for understanding how themes of fate, moral lessons, and human suffering are wrapped up at the end of a tragedy.
Rising Action: Rising action refers to a series of events and complications that build tension and develop the plot in a narrative, leading up to the climax. This part of the story is crucial as it establishes conflict, deepens character relationships, and enhances the stakes, ultimately setting the stage for the dramatic turning point that follows.
Sophocles: Sophocles was a prominent ancient Greek playwright who significantly contributed to the development of drama, especially in the context of tragedy. He is best known for his works such as 'Oedipus Rex' and 'Antigone,' which explore complex themes of fate, morality, and human nature, while employing innovative theatrical techniques that influenced the structure of plays.
Strophe: In Greek tragedy, a strophe is a part of a choral ode, specifically the first section in which the chorus moves from one side of the stage to the other while singing. This term is essential as it highlights the dynamic nature of performance and emphasizes the chorus's role in engaging with the narrative, reflecting emotions, and responding to the actions taking place on stage.
The gods' influence: The gods' influence refers to the pervasive and often decisive role that divine beings play in the lives and destinies of characters within Greek tragedy. This concept highlights how the actions, decisions, and fates of individuals are frequently shaped by the whims of the gods, underscoring themes of fate versus free will and the moral order of the universe.
Tragic flaw: A tragic flaw is a character trait that leads to the downfall of a tragic hero. This imperfection often stems from the hero's strengths and can manifest as hubris, excessive pride, or moral blindness, ultimately resulting in their destruction. Understanding the tragic flaw is crucial to analyzing how characters interact with their fate and the consequences of their choices.
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