stichomythia
/ˌstɪkəˈmɪθiə/
noun
- A form of dialogue in ancient Greek drama where characters speak in alternating single lines, often used for rapid, tense exchanges.
- The playwright used stichomythia to heighten the argument between the two brothers.
- Students studied stichomythia as a key feature of classical tragedy.
- In the scene, stichomythia made the confrontation feel fast and sharp.