Oedipus displays characteristics of both a hero and a villain. He saves the city of Thebes with his bravery and intellect resulting in him being praised and respected by the people. These people perceive him as their hero. Although, as he breaks the divine law and commits patricide and incest, he is perceived now as a villain. It is his personality and the traits he possesses which cause him to make such decisions. The Gods predetermined what Oedipus was going to choose to do due to his character, and Oedipus also chose to ignore what they said as he ignorantly believed he could escape this fate.

Oedipus’ character at the beginning of the play is one which comes across as a hero. He uses his intellect and confidence to answer the riddle of the Sphinx, freeing Thebes from the Sphinx’s reign. As he succeeds, the people of Thebes automatically perceive him as a hero. He then becomes known for his courage and intelligence which leads the people of Thebes to strongly look up to him for guidance and knowledge. "You freed us from the Sphinx, you came to Thebes and cut us loose from the bloody tribute we had paid that harsh, brutal singer.  We taught you nothing, no skill, no extra knowledge, still you triumphed". Sophocles is emphasising that to these people, Oedipus came along and saved their city and therefore is heavily praised, as he was able to save them whilst the Gods made no intervention. The Thebans praise for the Gods is soon questioned by Oedipus as he says, "You pray to the gods? Let me grant your prayers". In doing this, Oedipus is elevating himself to be as powerful as the Gods, as the Gods didn’t come to their aid and Oedipus did. This causes the Thebans to now have greater hope in Oedipus as the hero of Thebes.

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Oedipus had no knowledge of who his parents were or what he had done. Therefore he cannot be blamed as an evil person because of his ignorance. Oedipus’ nature leads him to be blind to his truth as he refuses to believe the prophecy he has been foretold. This nature the Oedipus possesses forces him to make the decisions which he does, as his arrogance leads him to believe that he is above all of man, and is equal to the Gods. It is this persona which leads him to be the villain of the story.  Oedipus’ self-destruction and fall ...

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