Characters
The main character of the play
Oedipus
Symbolizes not being able to see the truth
Blindness/eyes
Who Oedipus defeated before the play began
The Sphinx
Excessive pride
Hubris
Greece
Oedipus's father
Laius
Symbolizes an important choice or turning point
Crossroads
Who Oedipus believed was in cahoots with Teiresias
Creon
When the plot follows only one storyline the whole time
Unity of action
The God this ancient play was written to celebrate
Dionysus
The blind prophet
Teiresias
Symbolizes spiritual pollution
The plague on the city
The person Oedipus killed long ago
Laius/his father
When the plot takes place within 24 hours
The name of the first actor
Thespis
Oedipus's adopted father
Polybus
Symbolizes abandonment, suffering, and Oedipus's inescapable fate
Oedipus's swollen ankles
The person Oedipus sent Creon to in order to learn what was wrong with his city
The Oracle of Delphi
When the plot takes place in one location
Unity of Place
It means "God from machine"
Corinth
Symbolizes Oedipus and Jocasta's sins
The person who's taking charge now that Oedipus is disgraced
Creon
An emotional cleansing, often after watching a tragedy
Catharsis
These people were not allowed to act in the plays
Women and slaves