Considered a vital part of costumes in Greek tragedies, actors wore masks to distinguish the characters from themselves and to amplify their voices to reach the whole audience. Masks displayed certain emotions so the audiences could see which character was happy, sad or angry. In addition, masks were large in size in comparison to the performer's physical face especially, if the performer portrayed a god or hero. Members of the chorus in Greek tragedies also wore masks simpler in detail.
Actors playing gods and heroes usually wore the "chiton," a traditional tunic descending to the ankles. Costumes for those playing patron gods, such as Dionysus, were more ornate and elaborate in style, made up of saffron-colored robes set with gold or jewelry. Actors portraying warriors wore different kinds of armor and helmets, while warriors with certain prestige wore scarlet tunics and embroidered mantles to distinguish their higher statuses.
Since male actors traditionally portrayed female characters in ancient Greek tragedies, their costumes were elegantly designed to emphasize the illusion they were women. Actors playing goddesses and highly-ranked women wore purple and gold robes, while royal characters dressed themselves with crowns and gold accessories. These actors also wore plates before the chest and belly to enhance the female appearance.
Greek tragic actors often wore the "kothornoi," special boots made to fit either foot. For more prestigious characters and deities, actors wore the "cothurnus" -- boots with enormous and thick soles, in order to appear taller and more impressive. Sometimes the feet of characters could not be seen at all by audiences, and the detection of soles of the "cothurnus" typically signified the character as higher stature.