Greek tragedy, as defined by Aristotle, is "The representation of serious and important actions that lead to a disastrous end for the protagonist" (1493). The protagonist in this case is considered to be a tragic character. A tragic character is "A morally good but not perfect tragic hero who is brought from happiness to unhappiness because of a mistaken act, to which he or she is led by a hamartia, an error ... saying "You dare say that!" (923; 136). Instead, he concludes that Teiresias is lying by saying "Say what you will. Whatever you say is worthless." (923; 147) and taking that as evide...

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• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... different intense emotions, which Aristotle refers to as, catharsis. The protagonist of a tragedy is referred to as a tragic hero; they must be high ranking, a noble character and of a dignified stature before the tragic events occur. In the plays, Oedipus and Antigone, by Sophocles, the character Creon best portrays a tragic hero as defined by Aristotle. One of the most important attributes of a tragic hero is courageousness and to be high ranking. ... the death of his two nephews for they killed each other in envy, which placed Creon back on the throne as king. Secondly, having a noble...

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• Grade Level: High School

... . When Oedipus finds this out, the secret not only destroys him, but the entire city as well. However, what really causes his downfall is the many flaws in his personality. Oedipus" explosive temper leads to his downfall, and gets him there in a hurry making him a classic tragic hero. His continuing to ask questions when warned is another fatal problem. Nonetheless, Oedipus' biggest flaw ... past, and that it is for Oedipus" own good. Oedipus" temper explodes, much the same as it does when he dealt with his uncle/brother-in-law Creon. In this instance, Oedipus feels that Creon sent Tires...

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• Grade Level: High School

... by Sophocles, Oedipus is a man destined to fail because he is blind to the truth. Oedipus displays several of his traits in the play. As the play opens, Oedipus is a caring king who is deeply concerned about the citizens of Thebes. The citizens are gathered around the palace steps to ... by the reluctant Teiresias and curses him. He accuses the blind seer of lying and plotting with Creon to overthrow him. Oedipus also accuses Teiresias of being involved in Laius's murder. Oedipus is suspicious of Creon, his brother-in-law, after his visit from Teiresias. Oedipus yells, "You murderer! Do ...

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• Grade Level: High School

... simply a person who is extremely brave or admired. In many cases, a heroic person dies for the safety of others. King Oedipus fulfills all of these requirements, yet is considered a tragic hero. Although he does not seem to possess supernatural powers, Oedipus is definitely brave and greatly admired. The citizens of his city rely on him for safety, and therefore call upon ... is concerned- Fate and character are intertwined in this story. There are certain characteristics that can feed bad fate. For example, Oedipus was a very proud man and very impulsive. As soon as Creon returned fro...

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• Grade Level: High School

... demise, and often bring this hurt upon themselves. In Sophocles' tragedy Oedipus the King, King Oedipus does everything in his power to avoid his tragic fate; however, he soon realizes that he can't escape his destiny. Before defining Oedipus' tragedy, it is necessary to understand the circumstances that ... look back. After a series of strange events, Oedipus ends up in Thebes, where he is crowned King after defeating the Sphinx. Jocasta's brother Creon brings an old blind prophet named Teiresias to Thebes with an interesting prophecy. Oedipus' past slowly unfolds, and finally both Oed...

• Word Count: 1007
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School