Agon
A formal debate or contest between two characters in drama, originating in Greek comedy. Agon involves opposing viewpoints argued before an audience or judge.
Real World
In Aristophanes' 'Lysistrata', women and men debate the merits of war in a structured contest of opposing rhetoric — the women argue for peace, the men for continued conflict, making the agon the engine of the play's political comedy.
Exam Focus
Identify agon structures by locating where characters formally oppose each other; analyse how rhetoric and staging position the audience's sympathies.
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