Who are the main characters and what are their roles in 'Oedipus Rex'?

Answer 1

The main characters in 'Oedipus Rex' are Oedipus, Jocasta, Creon, and Teiresias. Oedipus is the King of Thebes. Theban Queen Jocasta is Oedipus' wife and mother. Theban King Creon is Oedipus' brother-in-law and uncle, and Jocasta's brother. He shares royal powers with Jocasta and Oedipus. Teiresias is a blind seer who uses his prophetic skills and talents for the well being of Thebes, by reconciling the actions of mortals with the will of the gods.

The Chorus may be considered among the main characters. It represents a grouping of Theban elders. One of its members is considered the Leader. The Chorus and the Leader switch back and forth in commenting on the play's action.

Minor characters are Antigone and Ismene, who are the daughters of Oedipus and Jocasta. They're the sisters of Eteocles and Polyneices, who are twins and remain nameless, grown sons in the play. They're the granddaughters of Theban King Laius, who is Jocasta's first husband and Oedipus' father.

Other minor characters remain nameless in the play. The first such character is the High Priest of Thebes. He's the second person to speak in the play's prologue. There's also the boy who guides Teiresias into his meeting with Oedipus.

There are other minor characters in the form of attendants and servants, who care for the royal family. One such servant is Oedipus' messenger. Another such servant, whom Jocasta particularly trusts, makes job changes back and forth between palace duties and shepherding. He's the sole Survivor of the street brawl that leaves Laius and three others dead. He also is the acquaintance of another shepherd, who changes careers later in life to become a messenger for King Polybus and Queen Merope of Corinth.