Oedipus Characteristics

A detailed Summary of Oedipus Characteristics


At one time in our lives there is a moment that we may think of ourselves as better than someone or something else. There may also be a point when making a decision leads to a great error in judgment. In the play Oedipus the King, written by Sophocles, both of these characteristics can be seen in the main character. These characteristics are known as tragic flaws. These flaws are excess pride, leading to overconfidence, and weakness in judgment. Both of these characteristics are the main reason of destruction and downfall in mankind and the tragic hero in this play. The tragic hero is unable to escape his misfortune that is destined to happen. There are many more tragic flaws other than these two that also contribute to the falling of the hero. The destruction and downfall can be seen as fate. Even though the hero chooses his own actions, the resulting consequences that come about are ones that are unable to be changed. As seen, no one is able to outrun his or her own fate.


en as a tragedy. A tragedy is a play that portrays a conflict between human beings and some superior, overwhelming force. It ends sorrowfully and disastrously, and this outcome seems inevitable. In a tragedy, the main character can also be seen as the tragic hero. The tragic hero in this play is Oedipus. He is neither good nor bad. Due to the flaws in his actions and behaviors, he will fall from the good graces of everyone surrounding him.

A moment in Oedipus's behavior where hubris can be seen is when he is talking to Teiresias. He treats the man with such disrespect and acts as if the man is inflicted with some sort of horrible disease. He also acts as though he is on a different level then him. To him, Teiresias has no feelings and is ignorant to the city. He is also blind and is unable to see the city with his own two eyes. Appearance to Oedipus is very important.

Another one of Oedipus's characteristics that lead to his downfall and destruction is his temper. He gets mad very easily and wh

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Approximate Word count = 679
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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