Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A group in Ancient Greek theatre that commented on the action, represented the public, and provided narrative insight.
A tragic flaw leading to the downfall of a hero in classical tragedy. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
Hubris is excessive pride, arrogance, or self-confidence that leads a character to defy moral or divine law. In classical tragedy, hubris often causes the downfall of rulers or heroes who overestimate their own power. It serves as a warning about the dangers of ignoring limits set by the gods, society, or fate.
The language of ancient Rome, used in early liturgical drama and by scholars during the Renaissance and Medieval theatre periods.
Medieval religious dramas that portrayed the lives and miracles of saints, often performed in churches or public squares.
Allegorical dramas from the Medieval period that taught moral lessons through personified virtues and vices.
Medieval cycle dramas depicting biblical stories, often staged by craft guilds in towns across Europe.
A direct address by the chorus to the audience in Ancient Greek comedy, often breaking the fourth wall for commentary.
The entrance song of the chorus in Ancient Greek drama, also referring to the physical passageways used for entrances.
A Prophecy is a prediction or foretelling of future events, usually delivered by a character with divine insight or supernatural authority. In drama, prophecies often create dramatic tension by revealing the outcome before it happens. Characters may try to avoid the prophecy, but their actions usually bring it about, underscoring themes of fate and inevitability.
A classical genre featuring stock characters, mistaken identities, and satire, influential in Western dramatic traditions.
A bawdy, comedic play from Ancient Greece that followed a tragic trilogy, featuring satyrs and farcical mythological themes.