In Oedipus Rex, the gods play a crucial role, emphasizing fate's dominance over free will. Oedipus's attempts to defy a divine prophecy illustrate the Greek belief that humans cannot escape their destiny. Contemporary religious beliefs, particularly in Judaism and Christianity, view God's will as just and open to appeals for justice, contrasting with the ancient Greek view of inescapable fate determined by capricious gods.

In Oedipus Rex, the person most responsible for Oedipus's tragic fall is Oedipus himself. In a fit of pride and anger, he killed a party of men only because he did not want to stand aside to let them pass. In so doing, he fulfilled the prophecy that he would kill his father. Laius and Jocasta are also responsible in that they tried to kill their infant son. Fourth, the herdsman bears some responsibility.

Kithairon, or Cithaeron, is a mountain range in Greece significant in Oedipus Rex as the place where Oedipus was abandoned as an infant. King Laius and Queen Jocasta, fearing a prophecy that their son would kill his father and marry his mother, ordered the baby to be left on Kithairon. A shepherd rescued him, setting the prophecy in motion. At the play's end, Oedipus expresses a desire to return to Kithairon to die.

In Oedipus Rex, the titles "Child of Golden Hope," "Immortal Voice," and "God's Golden Child" refer to Phoebus Apollo. Apollo, son of Zeus, is associated with various domains, including the sun, healing, prophecy, and the arts. The Chorus in the play invokes him as both a destroyer and a healer, highlighting his dual role in their prayers.

In Sophocles's play, women play complex roles, mainly through Jocasta, who embodies both maternal and queenly figures. Jocasta attempts to mediate and soothe tensions but ultimately cannot escape fate, leading to her tragic end. Other women, like Merope, fail to reveal crucial truths, while the Sphinx's riddle indirectly sets Oedipus on his doomed path. The ordinary women of Thebes highlight societal roles confined to domestic spheres, pleading for relief from the city's devastating plague.

The shepherd in "Oedipus Rex" is reluctant to speak because he disobeyed King Laius's order to expose the infant Oedipus, instead giving him to another shepherd. This act of compassion could have led to his death if discovered. Furthermore, he understands that revealing the truth would confirm the inescapability of fate, leading to great suffering for Oedipus and himself. His reluctance reflects the fear of the consequences of fate's revelation.

In "Oedipus Rex," society, represented by the chorus, serves as a measure of social and ethical norms. The chorus reflects the voice of the Theban people, commenting on events to evaluate the morality of characters' actions. For instance, they criticize Oedipus's hubris and disregard for oracles, which goes against societal and religious expectations. Thus, the chorus functions as the societal conscience, highlighting deviations from accepted norms.

In Oedipus Rex, the chorus represents the Theban elders, serving as the voice of society and providing commentary, context, and moral judgment on the play's events. They reflect the citizens' concerns, respect for the gods, and loyalty to Oedipus while also highlighting human weaknesses and irrational behavior. The chorus acts as advisors, informants, and commentators, offering a broader perspective on the unfolding drama. Their role is crucial for exposition and helps convey the collective emotions and beliefs of Thebes.

Antigone and Ismene in the Exodos of Oedipus Rex serve as a poignant connection to Oedipus's humanity and the fulfillment of prophecy. They symbolize the innocence affected by Oedipus's tragic fate, as they are the offspring of his incestuous union with Jocasta. Despite his blindness and disgrace, Oedipus's love for his daughters gives him strength. They, in turn, embrace their father, unaware of the social stigma they will bear.

In "Oedipus the King," male characters, including Oedipus, Creon, and Tiresias, dominate the narrative, characterized by pride, rashness, and a focus on solving mysteries. In contrast, Jocasta, the sole prominent female character, is depicted as more level-headed, seeking to avoid conflict and maintain peace. She advises Oedipus against his relentless pursuit of truth. Ultimately, Jocasta's tragedy leads her to suicide, highlighting her deep emotional response compared to Oedipus's self-inflicted blindness.

In "Oedipus Rex," minor characters like Laius and the shepherd play crucial roles in advancing the plot. Laius, though not directly present, is pivotal as his actions—knowing the prophecy and ordering Oedipus' exposure—set the tragic events in motion. The shepherd, by sparing Oedipus and giving him to another shepherd, inadvertently fulfills the prophecy. These characters, though minor, significantly influence the unfolding of Oedipus' fate.

Oedipus's foster father in "Oedipus Rex" is King Polybus of Corinth. Oedipus was given to Polybus and his wife, Merope, by a messenger who had received the infant from a shepherd working for Laius, the former King of Thebes. Polybus and Merope raised Oedipus as their own son, unaware of his true origins until the revelation later in the play.

The Chorus in Oedipus Rex is not an absolute moral authority but reflects the fallibility of human nature. While they offer sage advice, particularly on the dangers of pride, they are also subject to the same limitations as other characters, providing insights and commentary that guide the audience's understanding. Their role evolves from petitioners to moderators, and ultimately, they pass judgment on Oedipus, highlighting his hubris as a central theme of his downfall.

In "Oedipus Rex," Oedipus, Creon, and the Chorus view Jocasta as a wise and level-headed queen. Oedipus trusts and respects her judgment, often valuing her input over others. Creon respects her calm approach to conflict, seeking her support during disputes. The Chorus also looks to her for guidance. Jocasta's empathetic nature and efforts to mediate conflicts earn her admiration, but her tragic end leaves Oedipus grief-stricken, viewing her as a victim of fate.

In Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, character and plot are intricately linked, with Oedipus's hubris driving the narrative. His excessive pride is pivotal, influencing events and character actions, such as his refusal to accept the oracle's truth and his accusations against Creon and Tiresias. As the plot unfolds, Oedipus's pride and blindness are exposed, ultimately leading to his tragic realization and downfall. The play serves a didactic purpose, illustrating the dangers of hubris.

The gods in "Oedipus Rex" are not portrayed as evil but rather as powerful and indifferent forces of fate. They are seen as enforcers of destiny, ensuring that Oedipus's tragic fate unfolds regardless of his actions or intentions. This portrayal emphasizes the inevitability of fate and the limited control humans have over their own lives.

The herdsman in "Oedipus Rex" plays a crucial role by revealing the true parentage of Oedipus, completing the puzzle of Oedipus's identity. Though not the sole witness of Laius's attack, his testimony confirms Oedipus's fears and suspicions, leading to the revelation of Oedipus's patricide and incest. This disclosure precipitates Oedipus's tragic self-discovery and ultimate downfall, highlighting themes of fate and identity in the play.

In Oedipus Rex, the Corinthian messenger initially brings positive news by informing Oedipus that King Polybus of Corinth, whom Oedipus believes to be his father, has died of natural causes. This news seems to negate the prophecy that Oedipus would kill his father. However, the news eventually reverses when the messenger reveals that Polybus was not Oedipus's biological father, leading to the discovery of Oedipus's true parentage and fulfillment of the prophecy.