Sophocles perfected Greek tragedy, introducing a third actor and reducing the chorus. He deepened character development, used irony, and created complex plots. His innovations transformed theater, making it more engaging and psychologically rich.

Sophocles' plays, like Oedipus Rex and Antigone, explore human flaws, fate, and moral dilemmas. He mastered tragic elements like hamartia, peripeteia, and anagnorisis, creating timeless works that still resonate with audiences today.

Sophocles' Innovations

Theatrical Advancements

• Introduced third actor to Greek drama expanded dialogue possibilities and character interactions
• Added complexity to plot structures through increased number of speaking roles
• Reduced chorus size from 50 to 15 members shifted focus to individual characters
• Chorus reduction allowed for more intimate staging and concentrated dramatic action

Dramatic Techniques

• Developed skene building as a permanent backdrop enhanced visual elements of performances
• Utilized painted scenery to create more realistic and immersive theatrical experiences
• Improved character development through deeper exploration of motivations and conflicts
• Employed irony as a central dramatic device heightened tension and audience engagement

Tragic Elements

Hamartia and Character Flaws

• Hamartia represents tragic flaw or error in judgment leads to hero's downfall
• Often stems from hubris or excessive pride (Oedipus' overconfidence)
• Can manifest as moral weakness, ignorance, or mistaken belief
• Serves as catalyst for tragic events and drives plot forward
• Creates empathy in audience by highlighting human fallibility

Peripeteia and Plot Reversals

• Peripeteia involves sudden reversal of fortune or circumstances
• Occurs at crucial moment in play shifts trajectory of protagonist's fate
• Often results from character's own actions or decisions
• Intensifies dramatic tension and emotional impact
• Can lead to recognition or realization of truth (Oedipus discovering his true identity)

Anagnorisis and Self-Discovery

• Anagnorisis represents moment of recognition or critical discovery
• Usually follows peripeteia deepens tragic impact
• Involves protagonist gaining crucial knowledge about themselves or situation
• Can lead to profound change in character's understanding or worldview
• Often accompanied by intense emotional response (grief, horror, despair)

Notable Works

Oedipus Rex and Theban Plays

• Oedipus Rex considered masterpiece of Greek tragedy explores fate vs. free will
• Tells story of Oedipus who unknowingly kills father and marries mother
• Part of Theban plays trilogy includes Oedipus at Colonus and Antigone
• Theban plays explore themes of family, duty, and divine law
• Oedipus at Colonus focuses on redemption and reconciliation of exiled Oedipus

Antigone and Civil Disobedience

• Antigone portrays conflict between individual conscience and state authority
• Protagonist defies King Creon's edict to bury her brother
• Explores themes of loyalty, gender roles, and moral responsibility
• Raises questions about limits of power and nature of justice
• Influenced later works on civil disobedience and resistance (Thoreau, King)

Other Significant Tragedies

• Ajax depicts psychological breakdown of warrior unable to cope with loss of honor
• Electra focuses on revenge and family dysfunction in house of Atreus
• Philoctetes explores themes of betrayal, redemption, and moral compromise
• Women of Trachis examines consequences of jealousy and unintended harm
• Sophocles' works consistently probe human nature and ethical dilemmas