is a play by Aristophanes (411BCE) in which the women of two warring states cut the men off from sex with them. It is the idea of the main character, Lysistrata, who is seeking to end the Peloponnesian War. It is a comedy that includes very explicit sexual references. The male characters are often portrayed with comically large erections and complain endlessly about their libidos. The play makes great use of the chorus comprised mostly of old, horny men. Aristophanes also produces Thesmophoriazusae around the same time. Both plays are dealing with gender and sexuality in a way that is more explicit and fairly new to Greek theater. Lysistrata and Thesmophoriazusae both place women in power in a very male dominated society. In the end the women tempt the men with a character or small chorus of women named Reconciliation.

Hamartia: Men's fatal flaw is in their lust and libidos in this play.

Peripeteia: This will lead to the men's downfall in terms of “blue balls.”

Agon: The central argument is whether men, specifically, can put aside their differences for peace and love.

Catharsis: Once tempted with Reconciliation, the men agree to a treaty and hurriedly run off to get laid.

See Greek Theater