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.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
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…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Ismene sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Ismene in oedipus at colonusCharacter Web
7 connectionsA slice of how Ismene sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Family
- Rivalry
- Other
Character groups
- Offstage Theban Legacy
- Protagonist
- Immediate Theban Conflict
+2 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- 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.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Oedipus
family · positive
Ismene is Oedipus's daughter who brings him news from Thebes and supports him despite his… How this plays out →
- Creon
rivalry · negative
- Creon
rivalry · negative
- Oedipus
family · positive
Ismene is Oedipus's daughter who brings him news from Thebes and supports him despite his… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Ismene in oedipus at colonusIn 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