READ: Sophocles and Oedipus Rex
1 Who is Sophocles?
Sophocles, another Greek playwright, was younger than Aeschylus by a generation. He was also greatly involved in the political, cultural and religious life of Athens. He first led a Chorus at the age of 16. In addition, he held the office of Treasurer, was a General, was on the Board of Governors of Athens, and was also a Priest.
Sophocles wrote 123 plays during the course of his life, but only seven have survived in a complete form: Ajax, Antigone, Trachinian Women, Oedipus the King, Electra, Philoctetes and Oedipus at Colonus, though Oedipus the King is arguably his most famous.
Sophocles is credited with influencing the development of drama by adding a third actor, and reducing the importance of the Chorus in the presentation of the plot. For Sophocles, the Chorus does not advance the plot, but instead takes the role of a minor character. He also developed his characters to a greater extent than did Aeschylus.
Source:
Brockett, O.G. (1999) History of the Theatre, (8th ed). MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Sophocles wrote 123 plays during the course of his life, but only seven have survived in a complete form: Ajax, Antigone, Trachinian Women, Oedipus the King, Electra, Philoctetes and Oedipus at Colonus, though Oedipus the King is arguably his most famous.
Sophocles is credited with influencing the development of drama by adding a third actor, and reducing the importance of the Chorus in the presentation of the plot. For Sophocles, the Chorus does not advance the plot, but instead takes the role of a minor character. He also developed his characters to a greater extent than did Aeschylus.
Source:
Brockett, O.G. (1999) History of the Theatre, (8th ed). MA: Allyn & Bacon.