What is the role of the Choragos, or chorus leader? Why are there times when only the Choragos speaks, and not the entire chorus?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_theatre

Scroll down to Characteristics of the building and read about the choragos toward the end of the first paragraph of that section.

Also this: http://www.answers.com/choragos

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define choragos

The Choragos, also known as the chorus leader, plays an important role in Greek tragic plays. The chorus, a collective group of performers, represents a group of characters or the collective voice of the community. The Choragos, as the leader of the chorus, has a distinct role and functions within the play.

The primary role of the Choragos is to interact with the main characters, especially the protagonist, and offer commentary, insight, or guidance. They serve as a bridge between the audience and the play, providing explanations, interpretations, and moral perspectives on the unfolding events. The Choragos represents the voice of reason, often expressing collective opinions or sharing wisdom gained through experience.

There are instances when only the Choragos speaks, without the entire chorus participating. This usually occurs during critical moments or intense dialogue between the main characters. When only the Choragos speaks, it allows for a more direct and focused interaction with the main characters, emphasizing their significance in the narrative. It also provides an opportunity for the Choragos to convey their personal thoughts or individual perspective on the events, which may differ from the collective opinion represented by the chorus as a whole.

To get a deeper understanding of the role of the Choragos and the reasons for specific instances when only they speak, it is essential to read or watch Greek tragic plays, paying close attention to the interactions between the Choragos, the chorus, and the main characters. Engaging with critical analyses or commentaries by theatre scholars or experts can provide further insights into the nuances and symbolism of these interactions.