Oedipus the King Character Map
Sophocles
Sophocles was born in Colonus, Greece, near Athens. Sophocles was born into a wealthy family. His family valued education very highly, and his father provided him with the best tutoring available (music/art). In his lifetime 123 plays were written, but only 7 were translated. He witnessed death at the age of 92.
King Laius
Laius is the King of Thebes. He is killed at a crossroad outside of Thebes.
Oracle of Apollo
A place to go to seek answers needed.
Queen Merope
Queen of Corinth and also Oedipus' adoptive mother.
Oedipus
Oedipus birth son of Laius and Jocasta. Adopted by Queen Merope and King Polybus. Named the savior of Thebes after defeating the Sphinx and is rewarded with marriage to Jocasta.
Sphinx
A creature with the face of a woman, body of a lion and wings to fly. The Sphinx kills everyone in its path who cannot answer her riddle.
Queen Jocasta
Queen of Thebes and Oedipus' birth mother, and also future wife.
Corinth
A Greek City.
King Polybus
King of Corinth and the adoptive father of Oedipus.
Antigone and Ismene
Daughters of Oedipus and Jocasta
Eteocles and Polynices
Sons of Oedipus and Jocasta.
Creon
Brother in law of Oedipus