Plot Structure
The background information we need to know what happens before the story begins.
What is Exposition?
The Greeks felt he was so important that they threw a huge festival celebration in his honor.
Who is Dionysus?
The main character of a tragedy.
What is a tragic hero?
Semi-circle seating area in the amphitheater.
What is a Theatron?
A story people created to explain the world around them (having to do with nature).
What is a Myth?
What happens after the inciting incident leading towards the climax
What is Rising Action?
A comedic Greek play.
What is a Satyr?
The tragic flaw that causes the tragic hero’s downfall.
What is Harmartia?
Meaning “god is the machine”, used to fly in gods or a supernatural power to resolve all the problems of the play.
What is Deux ex Machina?
The largest festival which is held from late March to early April.
What is City Dionysia or Great Dionysia?
The consequences of the outcome of the climax.
What is falling action?
The most important part of the festival.
What is the Theatre Competition?
A common tragic flaw that means "great pride" or "arrogance".
What is Hubris?
The circular acting area in front of the skene where the chorus danced and 3 actors performed.
What is the Orchestra?
A series of three plays that are connected.
What is a Trilogy?
The point at which the main character in the story will succeed or fail.
What is Climax?
The number of playwrights allowed to compete at the festival.
What is 3?
Purging of emotion.
What is Catharsis?
Alter in the center of the orchestra circle used for special sacrifices in honor of Dionysus
What is Thymele?
House-like structure at the back of the stage, with 3 doors used for entrances and exits, that is comparable to backdrops today.
What is Skene?
The moment that starts the action.
What is Inciting Incident?
The number of plays that each playwright brought to the competition.
What is 4?
According to Aristotle, this character must be noble or royal.
What is a Tragic Hero?
Passageway between the theatron and the skene leading to the orchestra. Used for exit and entrances when actors came from faraway places.
What is Parados?
Ties things up neatly and ends the story.
What is Resolution?