A Chorus of young women

A Chorus of young women, maidens from Phoenicia dedicated to the service of Apollo. They have stopped in Thebes and have been detained by the war of the Seven against Thebes. They provide the historical perspective necessary to see the duel between the two sons of Oedipus as the last link in a long chain of Theban misfortunes.

Eteocles

Eteocles (ee-TEE-oh-kleez), the king of Thebes, the son of Jocasta and Oedipus. He and his brother Polynices had agreed to rule the city of Thebes in turn, but Eteocles has refused to give up the throne and Polynices has appeared with an Argive army to claim his right. Jocasta tries to reconcile the two brothers, but without success. Eteocles believes that might is right and will fight rather than give up his power. He is, as he admits, the typical dictator; at the same time he is young, rash, and ignorant in warfare. Creon, Jocasta’s brother, helps him plan the defense of the city. In that defense he fights bravely, challenging his brother to single combat. The brothers kill each other. Eteocles’ only affection, his love for his mother, is expressed in his dying moments.

Polynices

Polynices (pol-ih-NI-seez), the exiled brother of Eteocles who, when Eteocles refuses to allow him his period of rule, marches against Thebes. He has justice on his side, as the Thebans and even Eteocles recognize, but he has allowed his wrongs to lead him to the unpardonable sin of attack on his homeland. Speaking to Jocasta before her attempted reconciliation between the brothers, he reveals that he still loves his country; his mother, sister, and father; and even his brother. He accepts Eteocles’ challenge to single combat and is killed. Creon, following Eteocles’ order, refuses burial for his body.

Jocasta

Jocasta (joh-KAS-tuh), the wife and mother of Oedipus. She tries unsuccessfully to reconcile her two sons by Oedipus. When she hears of their individual challenge, she calls her daughter Antigone from the house and the two leave, determined to make one last effort to prevent the conflict between brothers. She arrives in time to hear their final words; then, lamenting, she stabs herself and dies with them. Her actions and speeches are marked by restraint, except for her joy at the return of Polynices.

Antigone

Antigone (an-TIHG-uh-nee), the daughter of Oedipus. She appears, accompanied by an old pedagogue, as a girl eager to observe the Argive forces assembled outside Thebes. Later, she views with Jocasta the combat between her brothers. She returns after her mother’s death, rejects the proposed marriage with Creon’s son, and willingly accompanies Oedipus into exile. She also swears to perform burial rites for Polynices.

Oedipus

Oedipus (EHD-ih-puhs), the son and later the husband of Jocasta. Although he appears only in the final scene, his presence dominates the play. Because they deposed and shut him up, he has pronounced on his sons a curse that is carried out in the action of the play. Antigone calls him forth and informs him of the death of his sons and of Jocasta. Creon, now the ruler of Thebes, orders him into exile because Tiresias has said that Thebes will not know prosperity as long as Oedipus remains within its walls. Oedipus’ final speech is a lament of his fate.

Creon

Creon (KREE -on), the brother of Jocasta. He aids Eteocles in setting up the defense of Thebes and is told that he is to rule if Eteocles should be killed. When Tiresias informs him that Menoeceus, his son, must...