Analysis Of Oedipus’ Character In Sophocles’ Play Oedipus The King

The play, Oedipus The King, by Sophocles, portrays the story of a King who fulfills a prophecy unknowingly and then suffers the consequences. Moreover, Poetics, by Aristotle, demonstrates elements of tragedy that help comprehend Greek tragedies, like Oedipus The King. In Poetics, Aristotle states, “character is that which reveals moral purpose, showing what kind of things a man chooses or avoids” (Aristotle 13). Similarly, when arguing Oedipus’ character, his actions done either without thought or after a wrongdoing reveal how Oedipus is compassionate, responsible, and open. Oedipus’ natural caring decisions for the Thebans demonstrate his compassionate nature. Moreover, the actions taken by Oedipus after knowing the murderer portray his responsible nature. Furthermore, the manner in which he deals with news concerning the royal family portrays his open nature.

To start, Oedipus is the king of Thebes but rather than being shown as a powerful authority figure, Oedipus is shown as a very caring character through his actions. For instance, the play starts off with Oedipus who walks out to the public and says, “Children…Ask me anything. Anything at all/ My heart would be a stone/ if I felt no pity for these poor shattered people of mine/ kneeling here, at my feet” (Sophocles 23). By analyzing how, without much thought, he calls the Thebans his children as if it is his second nature, he is creating a bond with them. This bond makes them feel like they are close to him. He then further mentions how they can ask him anything at all and he isn’t heartless. This part of the quotation shows how he is willing to do anything for his people and feels compassion towards them. Moreover, when analyzing this act of calling his people his children and asking them for what they need, it can be seen how it sounds very natural. As he does it without thinking very carefully, it demonstrates how he is a caring person towards his people. It also shows how he is ready to do anything to save them from their suffering. Oedipus shows that he willingly puts effort for his people as he already sent Kreon to Delphi. The act of not regretting being close to his people and telling them that he has taken action to help resolve the problem shows how he is trying his best to comfort them by being a very caring character.

Secondly, after knowing that he was the murderer of Laius, Oedipus punishes himself but cares for his loved ones, showing his responsible nature. As the play progresses, Oedipus soon learns about the crime he committed. After stabbing his eyes out, he asks Creon to see his daughters. As a responsible father-figure, he states, “don’t let them wander all their lives/ begging alone, unmarried, helpless./ Don’t let them suffer as their father has/…pity these girls, so young and helpless except for you” (Sophocles 92). This particular line shows that he still cares about his daughters and he is responsible enough to tell Creon to take care of his daughters. Oedipus wants to ensure a happy future for them even after stabbing his eyes out and getting exiled. This demonstrates how he wants everyone who depended on him to be happy. Moreover, he gave a curse without thinking properly but accepts that curse later on and decides to leave and makes sure that his loved ones will be fine. These actions show his responsible nature and give the audience an insight into his character as he is honest about his punishment.

Lastly, Oedipus is shown to be a powerful and well-respected king but instead of thinking carefully and talking about news brought to the royal family in the palace, he decides to discuss it in front of the people and decides to tell them everything, showing that he is an open person. For instance, when Kreon comes back with news from the Oracle, he asks whether Oedipus really wants to hear the news in public. Oedipus, without much thought, agrees and states, “Stop. Say it to the whole City. / I grieve for them, for their sorrow and loss, for more than I grieve for myself” (Sophocles 27). This quote shows how Oedipus wants everyone to hear the news and without thinking whether it is personal, he tells Kreon to tell him the truth in front of everyone. He then asks more questions in front of the public and says that he will soon find the murderer. This action shows how he does not only share the news designated for him but also he lets the public know what is in his mind. Through the action of not keeping information confidential, he lets everyone know what is going on. After such an action, he doesn’t regret it and instead, he shares more information, portraying his open nature. As mentioned in Poetics, the actions one would choose to take or avoid gives an insight into their character. Similarly, Oedipus’ character is portrayed to be caring, responsible, and open through his actions that are done without thinking carefully and through what he does after he has done something without much thought.