Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A formal debate or contest of ideas in Ancient Greek theatre, often between the protagonist and antagonist.
The response section of an ancient Greek choral ode, following the strophe and preceding the epode.
Dramatic rules from Aristotle’s *Poetics* prescribing unity of time, place, and action in classical tragedy.
A form of early Roman comedy featuring stock characters and improvisation, considered a precursor to Commedia dell’arte.
A tragedy by Euripides centered on Dionysus, exploring themes of revenge, belief, and divine madness.
Catharsis is the emotional release experienced by the audience at the conclusion of a tragedy or intense dramatic work. It allows viewers to purge feelings of fear, pity, or tension through the resolution of the play’s conflict. The concept dates back to Aristotle, who believed catharsis was central to the purpose of theatre.
A Choral Ode is a sung or chanted section performed by a group of actors called the chorus, most commonly found in ancient Greek tragedy. These odes often appear between scenes to provide commentary, moral reflection, or to describe offstage events. In Carl Orff’s opera Antigonae, the chorus frequently delivers odes in a chant-like style, creating a ritualistic atmosphere that deepens the audience’s understanding of the story.
A group of performers who comment on the action, originating in Ancient Greek theatre.
A deus ex machina (Latin for “god from the machine”) is a dramatic device where an unsolvable problem in a story is suddenly resolved by an unexpected, often supernatural, intervention. The term comes from ancient Greek theatre, where a god was physically lowered onto the stage by a crane (machina) to provide a solution or restore order. Today, it is often used to describe plot resolutions that feel abrupt or rely on forces outside the story’s established logic.
An Ancient Greek festival in honor of Dionysus where dramatic competitions laid the foundation for Western theatre traditions.
The final scene or departure in Ancient Greek plays, often featuring resolution and moral commentary by the chorus.
Fate is the idea that the course of a person’s life is determined by powers beyond human control, such as destiny or the will of the gods. In many works of literature and drama, characters try to resist fate but remain powerless to escape it. This theme is central to ancient tragedies, where suffering often results from the inevitability of fate.