Structure and Outline of the Oresteia

Structure and Outline of *Agamemnon*
Prologue	Episode 1	Episode 2	Episode 3.1	Episode 3.2	Episode 4
Watchman awaits signal fire, which appears, announcing Troy's fall	Clytemnestra announces Troy's fall. Describes torch relay. "Worries" about army's behavior. Chorus hostile	Herald welcomed home. Describes Troy's destruction. Clytmnestra announces her eagerness to see Agamemnon. Herald describes fleet's shipwreck.	How can we greet King? Agamemnon thanks gods. Clytemnestra reassures him, offers tapestries for grand entrance. He declines, then is persuaded	Clytemnestra invites Cassandra inside. After latter does not respond, Clyt. enters house. Cass laments her arrival and begins to try to explain what's coming to the Chorus. Thyestes' feast recalled.	Over the bodies of Ag. and Cass., Clytemnestra defends her actions. In the kommos, lamentation and reproach between her and Chorus until Aegisthus enters and explain his role and past.

Parodos	Stasimon 1	Stasimon 2	Stasimon 3	Choral interlude
Recalls departure of fleet to Troy, omen of pregnant hare. Hymn to Zeus: "learn by suffering". Sacrifice of Iphigenia.	Zeus has destroyed Troy. Justice always repays sinners. Laments for dead soldiers; anger of citizens	Helen as destroyer. Lion cub grows in house. Evil breeds evil. Justice destroys wealth.	Why am I so afraid?	When is enough? Agamemnon's death cry is heard, and Chorus shatters into 12 parts.

Structure and Outline of *The Libation Bearers*
Prologue	Episode 1	Episode 2	Episode 2	Episode 3	Episode 4
Orestes and Pylades address Agamemnon's tomb	Electra questions chorus about libations. Prayers for avenger. Finds signs of Orestes' presence. He (and Pylades) appears, tells of Apollo's commands	Electra and Orestes plan their revenge. Snake dream of Clytemnestra	Orestes, in disguise tells Clytemnestra he is dead. She mourns, but welcomes him into house. Cilissa tells of Orestes as baby	Aegisthus curious about stranger, enters house, then servant explains murder to Clytemnestra. Orestes enters as himself and they debate the justice of her death. Pylades reminds Orestes of Apollo and he leads her inside	Orestes denounces his victims, justifies self. Further explains Apollo's command. Flees stage in terror, having seen Furies
Parodos	kommos	Stasimon 1	Stasimon 2	Stasimon 3	Exodos
Mourning for Agamemnon. Why, after seven years?	Electra, Orestes and chorus pray to Agamemnon's spirit for assistance.	Litany of female monsters and killers. Clytemnestra worse than all	Prayers for justice to Olympian gods. Orestes as Perseus, slaying Medusa	Justice has come. Stealth victorious	The third disaster. When will it end?

Structure and Outline of *The Eumenides*
Prologue	Episode 1.a	Episode 1.b	Episode 2	Episode 3	Episode 4
The Pythia describes the origins of Delphi, enters the Temple, but exits quickly, having discovered the Furies. She exits the stage. Apollo promises protection to Orestes; both depart. The ghost of Clytemnestra rouses the Furies.	Apollo attacks Furies. They debate Orestes' acts. They agree to take the dispute to Athena. All exit	Scene changes in mid-episode to Athens. Orestes takes suppliancy at Athena's statue.	Orestes justifies himself and begs for Athena's protection	Athena arrives from Troy, questions the Furies and Orestes. They consent to trial. First jury is established.	Athena questions Apollo and Orestes. Apollo claims only father is a parent, citing Athena's birth story.Orestes is acquitted and departs. The Furies threaten Athens, but Athena persuades them to accept new role there.
Parodos		Second Parodos	Stasimon 1	Stasimon 2	Exodos
Hunt the mother-killer. New gods are unjust		He must not escape. He must be punished.	Binding song. We must protect our birthright	Escape will bring anarchy. "Take the middle way.. Respect Justice"	We accept our role, let Athens thrive.