Deuteragonist
Deuteragonist is a term from ancient Greek drama meaning the second actor. Originally there was only one actor who addressed the chorus. The first actor was the main actor whom we still refer to as protagonist. The third actor was the tritagonist. All actors played multiple roles.
Modern screenplays consist of dialogues among individuals. Ancient tragedy began as a conversation between a single actor and a chorus. A second and third actor were added -- eventually.
Related Resources
• Greek and Latin Prosody• Dochmiacs
• Iambic Trimeter
• Anapests
• Tragedy: Setting the Stage
• Terminology for Drama (especially tragedy)
• Other Features on Drama
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