Seven Against Thebes unfolds with the urgency of impending war as Eteocles calls upon every able-bodied citizen, from the youngest to the oldest, to prepare for battle. The threat is imminent, and their defensive effort must be unwavering. As the tension mounts, a Scout rushes in with alarming news: the enemy forces are positioned just beyond the city walls, ready to strike. Seven commanding figures stand poised to assault the seven gates of Thebes. After delivering this dire update, the Scout exits, leaving Eteocles to implore Zeus for his divine support in the upcoming conflict. Meanwhile, the Chorus enters, echoing the Scout's ominous tidings with a lamentation that pleads for the gods’ protection over their beleaguered city.

Fear and Chastisement

Hearing the lamentations of the Chorus, Eteocles enters and scolds them for their palpable fear, which he argues does more harm than good. He warns them sternly that such panic is contagious, potentially spreading among the city's inhabitants and leading to its downfall. Eteocles threatens that such unchecked terror might result in their deaths by stoning, as it could cripple the city's defense. Despite his harsh reprimand, the Chorus continues to express their dire warnings and fears. Eteocles insists they stay inside and quell their terror, admonishing them not to weaken the city’s morale. In response to their ongoing expressions of dread, he launches into a critique of women, deriding their perceived frailties and fears. Eventually, the Chorus pledges to silence their fears. Eteocles, reaffirming his commitment, prays once more to the gods, promising sacrifices and victory trophies if Thebes is spared.

The Battle Assignments

With the Scout's return, new developments unfold. He details the leaders of the enemy, each designated to attack a specific Theban gate. Eteocles responds by strategically assigning his warriors to defend each threatened gate, demonstrating his leadership and resolve. However, when informed that his own brother, Polyneices, is to attack the seventh gate, Eteocles declares his intent to personally defend it. The Chorus, concerned for the bloodshed that might ensue between brothers, advises against such a confrontation, but Eteocles remains steadfast. He acknowledges the family curse laid by Oedipus, but resigns himself to fate, trusting that if destruction is the gods' will, so be it. The Chorus laments his departure, fearing the potential for mutual fratricide and the extinction of their familial line.

The Curse of Oedipus

In their sorrow, the Chorus revisits the tale of Oedipus and the relentless curse that haunts his lineage. Soon, the Scout returns with mixed news. Thebes has triumphed over its enemies, repelling them from six of its seven gates. Yet, the seventh gate has been the scene of tragedy—Eteocles and Polyneices have slain each other. The scout reminds the Chorus that while mourning the brothers is necessary, the curse has finally lifted, giving cause for celebration as well. The Chorus grapples with conflicting emotions, uncertain whether to mourn the brothers' deaths or rejoice in Thebes’ survival.

The Aftermath of Battle

With the brothers' lifeless bodies brought forth, the Chorus reflects on the grim resolution of the curse. Ismene and Antigone, sisters to the fallen, arrive to perform the burial rites. The Chorus addresses them, steeped in grief and sorrow, acknowledging the heavy burden of fate that has shattered their family. Antigone, anguished, questions how they will lay their brothers to rest. At this moment, a Herald enters, announcing the council’s decree. Eteocles is hailed as a hero deserving of an honorable burial for his defense of Thebes. Conversely, Polyneices, viewed as a traitor who threatened the city, is to be denied burial honors, his body left for scavengers.