# Polybus — Oedipus Rex character guide

> Polybus in Oedipus Rex by Sophocles.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0002-oedipus-rex

## Who they are

King of Corinth, adoptive father of Oedipus, whose death sets events in motion.

## Relationships

### [Messenger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oedipus_rex_se/characters/messenger)

_professional_

The Messenger was a servant of Polybus, and he delivers news of Polybus's death and the secret of Oedipus's adoption.

### [Jocasta](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oedipus_rex_se/characters/jocasta)

_social_

Jocasta and Polybus are connected through Oedipus's adoption, with Polybus being the king who raised Oedipus as his own son.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oedipus_rex_se/characters/polybus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oedipus_rex_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oedipus_rex_se/characters