Character guide

Oedipus

major

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

King of Thebes who solved the riddle of the Sphinx and unknowingly fulfills a terrible prophecy.

Jocasta

major

Also known as Enter Jocasta

Queen of Thebes, wife of Oedipus, who gradually realizes the horrifying truth.

Creon

supporting

Also known as O Creon, Creon Friends, Creon Yea, The trusty Creon, Creon The riddling Sphinx

Brother of Jocasta, trusted advisor to Oedipus, later becomes king.

Teiresias

supporting

Also known as lord Teiresias, Oedipus Teiresias, Teiresias Thou, Teiresias Not Creon

Blind prophet who reveals the truth about Laius's murder to Oedipus.

Laius

supporting

Former king of Thebes, murdered at a crossroads, whose killer Oedipus seeks.

Herdsman

supporting

Also known as Herdsman Alack

The shepherd who witnessed Laius's murder and later saved the infant Oedipus.

Messenger

supporting

Also known as Messenger One, Second Messenger, Messenger Friend

Brings news from Corinth of Polybus's death and reveals Oedipus's true parentage.

Polybus

minor

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

Merope

minor

Queen of Corinth, adoptive mother of Oedipus.

Apollo

minor

Also known as King Phoebus, Phoebus, Loxias

God whose oracle at Delphi prophesied Oedipus's fate.

Menoeceus

minor

Father of Creon and Jocasta, mentioned as part of Theban royal lineage.

Sphinx

minor

Also known as the riddling Sphinx, the Sphinx

Monster whose riddle Oedipus solved, becoming king of Thebes.