ce without the use of elaborate staging.To portray characters, Greek actors used large masks carved with exaggerated facial expressions. Masks were outfitted with a resonant mouthpiece of brass to make it easier for actors to project their voices throughout the theatre. Masks also had an onkos, a tall wig-like section on the top of the mask that made the actors appear taller and more powerful. Because masks were used in performance, playwrights could not rely on subtle facial features to illustrate the characters personalities and feelings. This is why character traits are established quickly and clearly. In the opening scene between Antigone and Ismene, it is quickly shown that Ismene is more submissive and obedient, while Antigone is rebellious and will stop at nothing to do what she believes is right. When Antigone suggests that they should defy Kreon, Ismene says,No, we should be sensible:We are women, born unfit to battle men wemust obey, even in this.Antigone answers back,I will bury him myselfIf I die for doing that, good:I will stay with him, my brother;And my crime will be devotion. (p. 23)The actors also helped to format the play by setting boundaries for the playwright. The Greek word for actor, hypocrites, means answerer. The answers original use was to have dialogue with the chorus. The writer Aeschylus raised the number from one to two, and therefore there are many scenes and dialogues in Antigone that only involve two characters. Such scenes are the opening scene between Antigone and Ismene, the confrontation between Antigone and Kreon, and also when Kreon and Haimon fight over Antigones fate. The chorus often was used as another actor or detached observer, pointing out morals and important points in the story line as the play progressed. Here they comment on Antigones actions:You were harsh and daring, child. You went too far and fell brokenagainst the lofty pedestal of Justice.Perhaps, though, you are payi...
