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Oedipus Rex · Character

Oedipus

Thebes's brilliant, beloved king who once outwitted the Sphinx, now vows to hunt his predecessor's killer and save a dying city.

major

Also known as O Oedipus, King Oedipus, The simple Oedipus, Exit Oedipus, Oedipus Madam, Oedipus The knave methinks, Oedipus Monster, Oedipus Merope

First appearance: Dramatis Personae

As a major figure in Oedipus Rex, Oedipus is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Listed as the central character in the dramatis personae.
In the storyDramatis PersonaeOpen this moment free

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Oedipus rules Thebes as the man who solved the Sphinx's riddle and won both crown and queen, and when plague strikes he takes the suffering of every citizen as his own: 'Your sorrow touches each man severally... but I…

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

See Oedipus in Dramatis Personae

Character Web

9 connections

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

HEHerdsmanJOJocastaMEMessengerTETeiresiasAPApolloOEOedipus

Relationship types

  • Professional
  • Family
  • Rivalry
  • Other

Character groups

  • Protagonist
  • Truth Revealers and Seekers
  • Background and Catalysts

+4 more in the full Character Web

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Relationships

Relationship notes

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

See Oedipus in Dramatis Personae

In the story

Oedipus appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Oedipus in Dramatis Personae