English Literature: Greek Tragic Terms
Anagnorisis
The moment of recognition. The protagonist of a tragedy recognises that his trouble is his own fault
Antagonist
The character against whom the protagonist struggled; today the villain.
Peripeteia
A sudden reversal, often in fortune of the protagonist. The turning point in Greek Tragedy
Pathos
The quality of a play that excites pity in an audience
Hubris
Excessive human pride
Prologue
The part of tragedy that precedes the entrance of the chorus
Protagonist
The first actor/ the main actor
Hamartia
Tragic Flaw
Megalopsychia
“Greatness of soul”
Chorus
Originating from Greek Tragedy- they watched the action unfold, offering comments to the characters and the audience and giving their reflections on the actions to guide the emotional response of the audience