Oedipus Rex, also known as Oedipus the King, is a play written by the ancient Greek playwright Sophocles. It is the story of Oedipus, a man who becomes the king of Thebes after solving the riddle of the Sphinx. However, as the play progresses, Oedipus discovers that he has unknowingly fulfilled a prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother. The play explores themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of actions.
There are several main characters in Oedipus Rex, each with their own distinct personality and role in the story.
Oedipus: Oedipus is the protagonist of the play and the king of Thebes. He is intelligent and confident, and is known for his ability to solve problems. However, as the play progresses, Oedipus becomes more and more desperate as he realizes that he has fulfilled a prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother. Despite his initial denial, he eventually comes to accept the truth and takes responsibility for his actions.
Jocasta: Jocasta is the queen of Thebes and Oedipus's mother and wife. She is a strong-willed woman who tries to protect her son and husband from the truth of their relationship. However, as the play progresses, she becomes more and more aware of the truth and becomes overwhelmed with grief and guilt.
Creon: Creon is the brother of Jocasta and a high-ranking official in Thebes. He is intelligent and ambitious, and often acts as a foil to Oedipus. He is also loyal to his sister and tries to protect her from the truth of her relationship with Oedipus.
Tiresias: Tiresias is a blind prophet who is known for his ability to see the future. He is initially reluctant to reveal the truth to Oedipus, but eventually tells him that he is the one who killed his father and married his mother.
The Chorus: The Chorus is a group of Theban elders who serve as a commentary on the events of the play. They express their concern for the welfare of Thebes and offer counsel to Oedipus as he tries to solve the mystery of the plague that has struck the city.
Overall, the characters in Oedipus Rex are complex and multi-faceted, with their own motivations and desires. Each character plays a significant role in the tragic events of the play, and their interactions with one another drive the plot forward.