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.