Characterization

As it was discussed in our last section, Few Actors, Many Roles, masks were used to help actors be many characters within the same play. This wouldn't be possible unless the mask did something about the characterization of each role. The masks had to represent the outstanding features of the personality of the character. "The mask facilitated the submergence of the actor in that of the character represented." (Beiber, pg. 82) By this, the audience saw an actor who was a representational image of the dramatist's vision. The mask was how this was achieved. Actors were have said to have sat and studied masks in order to make a connection with their characters feelings.

Through the mask, even though "it did not permit subtle play of facial expression, could create a clearer, stronger and less ambiguous expression of grief, sorrow, triumph or cruelty more than any human face" (Kernodle, pg 127) allowing the actor's meaning to come across more clearly without the audience seeing his face or him having to focus on his facial expressions. Some masks had physical differences that made characterization easier. For instance, Oedipus, or other royal figures, might have a higher forhead or crown on his head to signify his rank, whereas a comic slave might have large eyes and a huge mouth to show that he is observant and not unwilling to gossip. These physical characteristics of the mask made it easier to tell who was who onstage.

Finally, another advantage of using masks, in terms of characterization, is that the chorus would all appear to be similar, a notion widely held, if they all wore the same mask. The idea of having a group of individuals appear the same would be very hard unless masks were used. ( Especially in comedic plays where chorus members where sometimes animals.) This draws to a conclusion the reason why masks were used in Greek theatre.

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