Structure of Greek Drama

1
Structure of Greek Drama
2
Prologue

• Greek drama begins with the Prologue.
• The Prologues purpose is to give background
  information to situate the conflict.

3
Parodos first ode

• Choral song chanted by the chorus as they enter
  the area in front of the stage.

4
The Odes follows each scene

• Serves to separate one scene from another (since
  there were no curtains in Greek theaters).

• Also allowed the choruss response to the
  preceding scene.

5
Parts of the Ode

• Strophe part of the ode that the chorus chants
  as it moves from right to left across the stage.

• Antistrophe part of the ode chanted as the
  chorus moves back across the stage from left to
  right.

6
First Scene

• Following the Parodos, the first scene presents
  the conflict of the play.

7
Paean (follows scene 5)

• A hymn in praise of a god.

8
Exodos

• Final scene of the play.