Qualities of Tragedy in Greek Drama

• Recounts the downfall of a dignified character involved in major events
• Has a main character called a tragic hero who may possess a tragic flaw that brings about his downfall
• Evokes pity and fear in the audience
• Often involved in unexpected twists of fate
• Ends disastrously, usually with the hero's death

Themes in Antigone

• Role of women
• Law of Gods vs. Law of the State
• Pride (Hubris) as a tragic flaw
• Threat of tyranny