What characterized Old Greek Comedy when it began around 450 B.C.?

Old Greek Comedy, which emerged around 450 B.C., is particularly known for its use of crude language and often satirical political plots. Works during this period often involved farcical situations, bawdy humor, and the direct confrontation of societal issues, including politics and public figures. Playwrights like Aristophanes exemplified this form by using comedic elements to critique and reflect on the political climate of their time, introducing an irreverent tone that set Old Greek Comedy apart from its predecessors.

The other characteristics mentioned do exist in the realm of Old Greek Comedy but don't encompass its original essence as thoroughly. For instance, while myth and legends served as bases for tragedy, they were not prominent in the comedic narratives of this time. Additionally, although fictional characters appear, the focus on current events and societal commentary was a distinctly more significant aspect of the genre. The chorus, while an essential element in various Greek dramas, was typically more emphasized in tragedy and lost some relevance in the comedic formats that started to evolve during that era.