Overview
Synopsis
Justice and revenge lie at the heart of Sophocles’ Electra, still considered today a remarkable achievement in the canon of Greek tragedy. Based on one of the last episodes in the Mycenae royal family, Electra finds Orestes, son of the murdered King Agamemnon, returning home secretly after being taken out of Mycenae for his own protection. Intent on avenging his father’s murder, Orestes conceives a plan to trick his family into believing that he’s dead so he can take revenge on the killers: his mother, Clytemnestra, and her lover, Aegisthus. Electra has all the elements of classic Greek tragedy, and was considered by some to be a masterpiece. Scholars aren’t sure exactly when it was written, but believe it was near the end of Sophocles’ career, between 420 and 414 BC.
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Characters
Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in Electra (Sophocles).
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Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A group in Ancient Greek theatre that commented on the action, represented the public, and provided narrative insight.
A Tragedy is a form of drama that explores human suffering, conflict, and loss, often leading to a disastrous or fatal conclusion. Traditionally, the main character experiences downfall due to a personal flaw, poor judgment, or forces beyond their control. Tragedy aims to evoke pity and fear in the audience, leading to reflection and emotional release.
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright