Oedipus Characters Flashcards

Study Notes

Oedipus and Core Characters

Oedipus: Tragic king of Thebes, infamous for unwittingly killing his father, Laius, and marrying his mother, Jocasta.
Jocasta: Queen of Thebes and mother of Oedipus; she unknowingly marries her own son, contributing to the tragic fate of their family.
Creon: Brother of Jocasta, he plays a crucial role in the dynamics of power and council in Thebes.
Cadmus: Founder of Thebes, significant figure in Greek mythology, establishing the lineage of Oedipus' family.

Prophetic Insight and Revelation

Tiresias: Blind prophet of Thebes who reveals Oedipus' true identity and the horrific truth of his actions regarding his father and wife.
Oracle at Delphi: Source of divine prophecies that foretell the fate of characters and guide the narrative’s tragic events.

Key Events and Figures

Laius: Oedipus' biological father and former king of Thebes, killed by Oedipus, fulfilling the prophecy.
Shepherd: Critical figure who finds the baby Oedipus and hands him over to Polybus and Merope, ensuring his upbringing away from Thebes.

Messengers and Declarations

Messenger from Palace: Announces the death of Jocasta, a pivotal moment leading to the climax of the tragedy.
Messenger from Corinth: Brings news of Polybus' death and declares Oedipus as the new king, triggering a series of revelations about Oedipus' true origins.

Family and Adoption

Polybus and Merope: Oedipus' adopted parents, king and queen of Corinth, who raise him unaware of his lineage and the tragic fate awaiting him.

Role of the Chorus

Chorus/Leader: Serves as the voice of reason and reflection throughout the play, mediating the complex emotions and situations faced by the characters.

Description

Test your knowledge of the key characters from the Greek tragedy 'Oedipus Rex'. This quiz covers figures such as Oedipus, Jocasta, Creon, and Cadmus. Use these flashcards to familiarize yourself with their roles and relationships in the story.