Prologus, 1-120. (Paedagogus, Orestes, [Pylades]; Electra)

Orestes charges Paedagogus to announce to the palace that Orestes is dead.

Threnos,86-120. Electra laments her lonely grief for Agamemnon.

The Women of Mycenae try to control Electra's grief: it is excessive and avails not. She is unconsolable: without husband or children, she awaits Orestes in vain. Justice demands that the dead be revenged: she will not cease her grief to gain comforts for herself.

Electra's revulsion at living with Aegisthus and her mother. Chrysothemis appears to calm Electra, and is angrily upbraided for being a coward and her mother's daughter. Chrysothemis tells Electra that they will send her to a cave unless she relents.

Chysothemis will make offerings to the tomb of Agamemnon, at her mother's bidding, who dreamed that Agamemnon was again alive and his sceptor sprouted foliage to cover the realm. Electra persuades her to pray for vengeance instead.

Justice will come in the form of the Fury.

Clytemnestra claims justice for herself, as the avenger of her daughter. Electra counters that Agamemnon was forced, once Artemis was angry, to sacrifice to save the army; even so, she had no right to seek vengeance herself, and certainly not to sleep with the killer: lust was the cause, the rest is an excuse.

Clytemnestra sacrifices to Apollo. Paedogogus announces Orestes' death, and describes his death
in the chariot race [cf. Il . 23; death of Hippolytus]. Clytemnestra cannot hate her child, but is relieved.

Kommos, 823-870. The Chorus: where are Zeus' thunderbolts? They lament Orestes along with Electra. Chrysothemis announces that Orestes must be present, since she found sacrifice and a lock of hair at the tomb. But Electra tells her of Orestes' death. Electra asks Chrysothemis to help her kill Aegisthus, but Chrysothemis
refuses, advising her to yield to those who are stronger. Electra rebukes her cowardice and vows the murder.

Tell the Atreidae in the world below of the troubles of their household. May Electra be raised above her foes.

Orestes (disguised) carrying the ashes of Orestes. Electra laments her brother. Orestes cannot restrain his pity at her abused form. Orestes identifies himself by his signet ring.

Song, 1232-1286. Electra rejoices, but Orestes silences her. Paedogogus reproves them for their lack of precaution, and counsels haste. Electra rejoices to see the old servant again, but he checks her. At his urging, Orestes goes in.

Ares, the Furies, Hermes assist Orestes in the deed.

Kommos, 1398-1441. Clytemnestra from inside cries for mercy. Orestes announces his success. Aegisthus is sighted. Aegisthus asks about the messengers; Electra tells him that Orestes' corpse awaits him. He is shown the body of Clytemnestra.

Orestes reveals himself and takes Aegisthus inside; he will kill him where Agamemnon was killed.

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