Oedipus Rex Characters

The main characters in Oedipus Rex are Oedipus, Jocasta, Teiresias, and Creon.

  • Oedipus is the king of Thebes and the tragic hero of the play. He is the victim of a curse that leads him to kill his father, Laius, and marry his mother. Once he realizes his true identity, Oedipus blinds himself and goes into exile.
  • Jocasta is Oedipus's wife and mother, as well as the mother to his children. When she realizes the truth, she hangs herself.
  • Teiresias is a blind prophet who reluctantly reveals Oedipus’s identity.
  • Creon, Jocasta’s brother, delivers a prophecy stating that Laius’s murderer must be exiled.

Characters

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Oedipus

Oedipus is often considered the quintessential Aristotelian tragic hero. In Oedipus Rex, he begins the play at a high point as the benevolent and beloved King of Thebes. However, at the end of the play, he blinds himself and prepares to enter into a self-imposed exile. Oedipus is destroyed by the knowledge that he has killed his father and married his mother. Oedipus remains a compelling and tragic figure because he does not realize his mistakes until it is too late. The true tragedy of his fall is that he bears minimal fault but must carry all the blame. (Read extended character analysis of Oedipus.)

Jocasta

Jocasta is the Queen of the city of Thebes and Creon’s sister. She is also Oedipus’s mother and wife, though neither she nor Oedipus knows this until too late. Just as Oedipus suffers a tragic downfall, so does Jocasta. However, unlike Oedipus, Jocasta attempts to shroud herself in ignorance. She cautions Oedipus against trusting oracles and pursuing knowledge. She wholeheartedly believes that her and King Laius’s painful decision to send the baby Oedipus away circumvented the prophecy. making the fulfillment of the prophecy all the more tragic. (Read extended character analysis of Jocasta.)

Teiresias

Teiresias, also spelled "Tiresias" in some translations, is a blind prophet of Apollo, called to Thebes by Oedipus in the hopes that he will reveal who murdered King Laius. Teiresias refuses to reveal the murderer’s identity. This frustrates Oedipus, who then accuses Teiresias of treason and mock his blindness. In response, Teiresias tells Oedipus that Oedipus will regret pursuing this knowledge. He also predicts Oedipus’s blinding and exile. (Read extended character analysis of Teiresias.)

Creon

Creon features in each story of the Sophocles's Oedipus Trilogy: Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone. Creon is Jocasta’s brother and Oedipus’s brother-in-law. Oedipus sends him to consult the oracle at Delphi in the hopes of bringing an end to the plague. Upon returning to the city of Thebes, Creon reluctantly tells Oedipus that for the plague to end, King Laius’s murderer must be found and brought to justice. (Read extended character analysis of Creon.)

Expert Q&A

What role do the gods play in Oedipus Rex? How does this compare to contemporary religious beliefs?

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.

Who is responsible for Oedipus's tragic fall? Rank 4 characters.

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.

Who is Kithairon and how is he connected to Oedipus in Oedipus Rex?

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, who is referred to as "Child of Golden Hope," "Immortal Voice," and "God's Golden Child"?

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.

What is the role of women in Sophocles's Oedipus the King?

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.

Why is the shepherd reluctant to speak in Oedipus Rex?

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.

What is society's role in Oedipus Rex?

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.

What purposes do Antigone and Ismene serve in the Exodos of Oedipus Rex?

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.

The Role of the Chorus in Greek Tragedy

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.

In Oedipus The King, how do male and female characters differ?

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.

What is the role of minor characters in Oedipus Rex?

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.

Who is Oedipus's foster father in Oedipus Rex?

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.

Is the Chorus in Oedipus Rex an absolute moral authority or as fallible as other characters?

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, how do Oedipus, Creon, and the Chorus view Jocasta?

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.

Key elements and character relationships in Sophocles' Oedipus Rex

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 portrayal of the gods in "Oedipus Rex" as evil

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.

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Chorus

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Choruses are a fixture of Greek tragedies, offering contextual information about the setting and providing audiences with a model for how to react to different events in the play.

The chorus in Oedipus Rex is made up of Theban elders. They respect and revere Oedipus, their king, who saved their city from the Sphinx. After it is revealed that Oedipus killed his father and married his mother, they are horrified but sympathetic. They bemoan Oedipus’s fate and remark on the tragedy of his fall from grace. Their response gives the audience license to pity Oedipus as well.

Herdsman

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The herdsman, or shepherd, of Laius was responsible for saving Oedipus’s life after his parents sent him to the mountain to die. Unable to condemn the child to death, the herdsman unbound Oedipus’s ankles and gave him to the messenger. The messenger then delivered Oedipus to the Corinthian King and Queen.

After learning from the messenger that the Corinthian King Polybos is not his father, Oedipus commands the herdsman to tell his side of the story. After he is threatened with execution, the herdsman reluctantly confirms that Oedipus really is Laius’s son. His testimony proves that Oedipus killed his father and married his mother.

Expert Q&A

What are the implications of the herdsman's roles as Oedipus's savior, the sole survivor and witness of Laius's attack, and the provider of testimony in Oedipus Rex, Episode 4?

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.

Messenger

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The first messenger arrives from Corinth and informs Oedipus that King Polybos of Corinth is dead. Oedipus, who believes that Polybos is his father, is briefly relieved that the prophecy seems to have been averted.

However, the messenger reveals that one of Laius’s shepherds gave the infant Oedipus to him before he delivered Oedipus to Polybos. Oedipus, disturbed to learn that Polybos is not his real father, commands the messenger to find the shepherd and convince him to testify to the truth of the messenger’s claims.

Expert Q&A

The initial positive news from the Corinthian messenger and its eventual reversal in Oedipus Rex

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.

Second Messenger

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The second messenger reports Jocasta’s suicide and Oedipus’s subsequent decision to blind himself to the chorus. The second messenger also predicts future woe for Jocasta and Oedipus’s children and announces Oedipus’s return to the stage.

Priest of Zeus

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The priest of Zeus arrives at Oedipus’s palace in order to describe the suffering of the plague-wracked Theban people. He beseeches Oedipus, who saved Thebes once before by solving the riddle of the Sphinx, to help end the plague.

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