Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A figure in Greek mythology: Electra is a character from ancient Greek myths and tragedies. She is the daughter of King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra. Her story primarily involves persuading her brother, Orestes, to kill their mother, Clytemnestra, and her mother's lover, Aegisthus, to avenge the murder of their father, Agamemnon.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The tragedy of Electra has been retold by many ancient playwrights.
  • In the myth, Electra's grief and desire for revenge drive the plot forward.

Advanced Usage

• "Electra complex": In Freudian psychoanalytic theory, this term describes a daughter's psychosexual competition with her mother for possession of her father. It is the female counterpart to the Oedipus complex.
  • The therapist discussed the concept of the Electra complex during the lecture.

Variants and Related Words

• Electra complex (noun): The psychoanalytic term derived from the mythological character.
• Orestes (proper noun): Electra's brother in the myth.
• Clytemnestra (proper noun): Electra's mother in the myth.
• Agamemnon (proper noun): Electra's father in the myth.

Synonyms

• Mythological figure: A character from classical mythology.
• Avenger: One who seeks revenge (describes her role in the narrative).

Related Phrases

• House of Atreus: The cursed royal family to which Electra belongs. Her story is a key part of this mythological cycle.
  • The misfortunes of Electra are central to the tragedies of the House of Atreus.

Noun

1. (Greek mythology) the daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra; persuaded her brother (Orestes) to avenge Agamemnon's death by helping her to kill Clytemnestra and her lover (Aegisthus)