By Sophocles
Oedipus The King
Major Characters
Oedipus Creon Chorus Tiresias Jocasta Messenger
Oedipus King of Thebes Ruled by fate from Apollo Destined to marry mother and kill
father Raised by King and Queen of Corinth Birth parents: King Laius and Jocasta Defeated Sphinx
Creon Brother of Jocasta Brings news from Apollo: find the
murderer of Laius, for he is the reason for the plague
Oedipus accuses him for trying to take over
Charged with treason Turns out to be a true friend and takes
care of Oedipus’ daughters in the end
Chorus Citizens of Thebes March around alter, chanting Speak for the people of Thebes Follow their leader Help reader visualize the people’s
thoughts, concerns, and opinions
Tiresias Blind prophet; predicts fate and
can see the future Called by Oedipus for advice Admits that Oedipus is indeed the
murderer of Laius Oedipus accuses him of conspiring
with Creon to kill him and take his place as king
Jocasta Was married to King Laius Birthed a son and had him killed by a
henchman Marries Oedipus after husband died Accidently led Oedipus to realize he killed
his own father, King Laius Hangs herself after she realizes Oedipus is
her son
Messenger Sends message that Polybus, King of
Corinth, has died from natural causes Reveals that Oedipus was adopted Used to be a herdsman Gave Oedipus to Polybus and
Merope Only survivor of the fight between
Oedipus and Laius.
Plot Summary Oedipus tries to find cause of plague for the citizens
he rules. He Sends Creon to the priest of Apollo. Finds out the cause of the plague is from the
unidentified murderer of Laius Oedipus consults Tiresias, the blind prophet. Tiresias says Oedipus is the murderer Creon agrees, and Oedipus is enraged He accuses Creon of treason Jocasta calms the men and convinces Oedipus that
Creon is genuine
Continued She tells Oedipus not to worry, and that
oracles are fake. Oedipus questions Jocasta about Laius, and
every answer leads to worry. Jocasta informs him there was one survivor,
a herdsman Oedipus reveals to Jocasta his fate: he will
kill his father and sleep with his mother.Oedipus left his parents in Corinth so his
fate will not come true
Continued A messenger, the last survivor, confirms that
Oedipus was adopted. He informs people Polybus is dead. Admits that he received Oedipus from another
herdsman and gave him to Polybus Herdsman confirms that he saved Oedipus and did
not kill him Jocasta kills herself after she realizes Oedipus is
her son Oedipus gauges his eyes out and exiles himself,
leaving Creon to care of his daughters.
Moral of the Story One cannot change his or her fate. One is either born innocent or
guilty. Sometimes the blind know more
than the one who sees. One shall not promise something,
unless he or she knows the truth.