1. a form of dialogue in drama where characters speak in alternating single lines, often used to create tension or rapid exchange
Usage: literary; theatrical

Examples

• The playwright used stichomythia to heighten the dramatic tension between the two rivals.
• Shakespeare employed stichomythia in several scenes to create rapid-fire verbal sparring.
• The ancient Greek tragedies often featured stichomythia during moments of conflict.
• The director emphasized the stichomythia by having the actors speak in quick succession.
• Students analyzed the stichomythia in the play to understand how it advanced the plot.
• The debate scene was written in stichomythia to show the characters’ opposing viewpoints.