Sophocles’ play Oedipus Rex is definitely a tragedy, and it features many of the characteristics of a classical tragedy, including a character with a tragic flaw, a plot ending in a tragic consequence, and a tragic atmosphere. Let’s look at each of these in turn.

Oedipus is indeed a tragic character. He is on the run from a terrifying prophecy when he actually ends up fulfilling that prophecy without even knowing it, namely by killing his father and marrying his mother. Yet Oedipus is far from perfect. He has a tragic flaw or hamartia. Oedipus is filled with pride. This is why he doesn’t simply get out of the way at the crossroads and let the chariot pass. This is why he lashes out and kills the chariot’s driver, the man who turns out to be his own father. This is why he treats Tiresias so badly. But Oedipus’ pride brings him down in the end. The prophecy has come true, and he has killed his father and married his mother.

Indeed, the plot moves forward continually toward this revelation. By the end of the play, Jocasta is dead from grief and horror. She hangs herself. Oedipus blinds himself with the brooch from Jocasta’s dress after he finds her dead. The secrets of years have finally come to light, and the consequences are horrible.

The play also features a tragic atmosphere throughout. Tension builds as the audience discovers that there is a plague in Thebes due to a murderer running loose. As Oedipus gathers evidence to try to track down this murderer, the audience becomes suspicious. Anxiety grows among the characters, too, especially Jocasta, who begs Oedipus to stop trying to find the truth. The audience soon realizes that things are not going to end well for Oedipus.