SophoclesSophocles

496-406 BC496-406 BC

SophoclesSophocles

The second of the three greatest The second of the three greatest Greek writers.Greek writers.

AeschylusAeschylus and and EuripidesEuripides are the other two. are the other two.

SophoclesSophocles

Sophocles became a famous Greek Sophocles became a famous Greek playwright by competing in the City playwright by competing in the City Dionysia--a festival held every year Dionysia--a festival held every year at the Theatre of Dionysus (god of at the Theatre of Dionysus (god of wine) in which new plays were wine) in which new plays were presented presented

Plays were performed in trilogies at Plays were performed in trilogies at these competitions.these competitions.

SophoclesSophocles

In his first competition, Sophocles In his first competition, Sophocles won first place, defeating the first won first place, defeating the first great playwright great playwright AeschylusAeschylus. .

He would finish his career with 18 He would finish his career with 18 first place finishes; when he did not first place finishes; when he did not win, he would finish second.win, he would finish second.

He wrote around 120 plays in his He wrote around 120 plays in his career. career.

SophoclesSophocles

Of his 120 or so plays, only seven survived Of his 120 or so plays, only seven survived in tact.in tact.

AjaxAjax AntigoneAntigone ElectraElectra Oedipus at ColonusOedipus at Colonus Oedipus TyrannusOedipus Tyrannus PhiloctetesPhiloctetes TrachiniaeTrachiniae

SophoclesSophocles

Sophocles also changed the face of Sophocles also changed the face of plays with several new inventions:plays with several new inventions:

He added a third speaking character He added a third speaking character on stage.on stage.

He abolished the trilogy, making He abolished the trilogy, making each a separate story, instead of all each a separate story, instead of all three completing just one story.three completing just one story.

Invented scene painting.Invented scene painting.