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Oedipus at Colonus · Character

Ismene

Oedipus's younger daughter, who stays in Thebes but travels to Colonus bearing news of the brothers' war.

supporting

Also known as Exit Ismene

First appearance: oedipus at colonus

As a supporting figure in Oedipus at Colonus, Ismene is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Daughter of Oedipus, sister to Antigone.
In the storyDramatis PersonaeOpen this moment free

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Ismene has remained in the city while Antigone walked into exile, and her arrival at Colonus carries the weight of that difference. She brings word of the oracle and of the fratricidal struggle between Polyneices and…

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The fuller portrait of Ismene sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

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Character Web

7 connections

A slice of how Ismene sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

OEOedipusCRCreonANAntigoneSTStrangerMEMessengerISIsmene

Relationship types

  • Family
  • Rivalry
  • Other

Character groups

  • Offstage Theban Legacy
  • Protagonist
  • Immediate Theban Conflict

+2 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

SetupClimax
  • Setup
  • Breaking point

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when Oedipus, once a figure of shame and blindness, is revealed as…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Ismene in oedipus at colonus

In the story

Ismene appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Ismene unlock in the free preview.

See Ismene in oedipus at colonus
Who is Ismene in Oedipus at Colonus?