Foil Characters In Oedipus Rex

Main characters without the help of other characters are merely just characters. The roles of other characters in the book are just as important as the main, especially foil characters who emphasize specific traits of the main character through their ideas and behaviors to contrast or compare strengths and weaknesses. In the Greek tragedy Oedipus the King, written by Sophocles', Tiresias, a blind prophet, does a thorough job of highlighting the traits and characteristics of Oedipus, the main character. Although Tiresias only appears once thorough the play, the first sign of conflict appears in that scene. As Oedipus and Tiresias interact with one another, Oedipus's presumptuousness shines as he urges the hesitant Tiresias to tell him who the murderer of Laius is. His persistency is also obvious when Tiresias continues to hold back the truth from Oedipus. However, after the truth is …show more content…
However, little does he know that he, himself is the killer. As he talks to Tiresias, confident that he has the ability to restore Thebes and unaware of his own curse, he is dying to know who the killer is. In this scene, dramatic irony takes place as Oedipus is set on knowing the truth while Tiresias is holding it back knowing that the truth will only harm Oedipus. The audience knows of the truth, making the words of Oedipus carry more meaning as the truth will only lead to his downfall. This cocky side of Oedipus is shown as he continuously interrogates Tirseias for the truth, as he believes the truth will only benefit him when in fact it has the opposite effect. This presumptuous side of him is his hamartia, his fatal flaw that will eventually lead to his downfall, which was highlighted through Tiresias' patience as he is pampered with