* Commentary: They provided background information, summarized events, and interpreted the actions and motivations of the characters. This often served to heighten the emotional impact of the scene.
* Emotional Expression: They voiced the feelings and anxieties of the community or the audience, acting as a kind of collective conscience. Their songs and dances amplified the emotions of the dramatic situation.
* Moral Judgment: They often offered moral reflections, passing judgment on the characters' actions and foreshadowing future events.
* Dramatic Tension: Their presence and pronouncements heightened the tension and suspense of the plot. They could even directly interact with the characters, influencing the course of events.
While the chorus's role has diminished significantly in modern drama, the concept still holds relevance. The "chorus" can be viewed metaphorically in some modern plays as a narrator, ensemble, or even the audience's collective reaction, providing a voice beyond the individual characters.