Plutarch's analysis of Sophocles outlines three distinct phases in the playwright's career, each reflecting a progression in style and thematic focus. Initially, Sophocles' works were heavily influenced by Aeschylus, characterized by weighty tragedies. Over time, however, Sophocles evolved towards a more nuanced portrayal of individual characters and their tragic flaws, which came to define his legacy in ancient Greek drama.

Evolution of Sophoclean Tragedy

Sophocles’ early work, influenced by Aeschylus, is marked by the use of complex characters entangled in "double bind" situations, where the choice between conflicting duties leads to inevitable doom. Plays like Ajax and Antigone reflect this influence, showcasing the tension between individual desires and the inescapable power of fate. Additionally, Aeschylus's narrative technique, employing long monologues and compound words, seeped into Sophocles’ early writing style.

However, Sophocles was not content with mere imitation. He introduced pivotal innovations in Greek drama, such as incorporating a third actor, expanding the chorus, and developing scene painting techniques. More significantly, Sophocles shifted the narrative focus from collective households to individual heroes, thereby intensifying the psychological depth and emotional resonance of his characters. This evolution is evident in the structure of his plays, which gradually favored dialogue over monologue to unravel character motivations and plot developments.

Chronicles of Personal Destiny

The concept of fate in Sophocles’ tragedies is intricately linked to the characters' psychological motivations. While oracles and prophecies loom large, the unfolding of events is ultimately tied to the choices and inherent flaws of the characters. Sophocles' tragedies are less about divine manipulation and more about the human condition, a notion encapsulated in Heraclitus's assertion that "character determines a person’s destiny." This philosophy manifests in Sophocles’ heroes, whose virtues are inseparable from their tragic flaws, driving them to greatness and to their downfall.

Antigone: The Heroine's Dilemma

In Antigone, we encounter the clash between state laws and familial loyalty. Antigone, sentenced to death for defying King Creon's edict by burying her brother, embodies the struggle between personal conviction and authoritarian rule. The tragedy highlights the duality of Antigone's and Creon's rigid stances, neither of which offers a resolution but instead leads to mutual destruction. The play reflects Sophocles' treatment of character, fate, and the consequences of obstinacy, demonstrating how adherence to personal ideals can result in catastrophic outcomes.

Oedipus Tyrannus: A Tale of Overconfidence

Oedipus Tyrannus explores the themes of knowledge, identity, and fate. King Oedipus, determined and confident, learns of his tragic past—that he has killed his father and married his mother. The play illustrates the limits of human understanding and the perils of overconfidence. Oedipus's relentless quest for truth ultimately leads to his undoing, highlighting the dual forces of fate and personal character in shaping destiny. The irony of Oedipus's insight and blindness underscores the theme of true wisdom beyond mere perception.

Electra: Defiance and Vengeance

In Electra, Sophocles revisits the classic story with a focus on defiance and retribution. Electra’s unwavering pursuit of vengeance against her mother, Clytemnestra, for the murder of her father, Agamemnon, echoes themes from Antigone. Sophocles portrays Electra as a character driven by a singular purpose, demonstrating the personal costs of her relentless dedication. Unlike Antigone, Electra’s vengeance culminates in triumph, though it comes at a profound personal cost, capturing the essence of heroic endurance and its burdens.

Oedipus at Colonus: Redemption and Apotheosis

Written near the end of Sophocles’ life, Oedipus at Colonus presents a transformed Oedipus, who finds redemption after years of wandering as a blind exile. The play diverges from typical tragedy by elevating Oedipus to a near-divine status, reflecting themes of renewal and redemption. Set against...