Oedipus the King Character Map
Elia Stahlman
Sophocles
Writer of the play Oedipus the King
Characters:
King Laius
King of Thebes and father of Oedipus. He received a prophecy that his son will kill him and marry his wife.
Queen Jocasta
Queen of Thebes and wife of Oedipus. She and King Laius gave their son to a servant to kill. However, the servant failed to carry out the deed.
King Polybus and Queen Merope
Rulers of Corinth. King Polybus and Queen Merope eventually adopt King Laius and Queen Jocasta's son and named him Oedipus.
Oedipus
King of Thebes and son and husband of Jocasta. Oedipus is the only one who can solve the riddle of the Sphinx that has been terrorizing Thebes. After solving the riddle and saving Thebes, he is rewarded to be King of Thebes and marry Queen Jocasta.
Sphinx
A winged monster with the head of a woman and body of a lion, who kills all who fail to answer her riddle. The riddle is: What goes on four legs in the morning, two in the afternoon, and three in the evening?
Antigone and Ismene
Daughters of Oedipus and Jocasta.
Eteocles and Polynices
Sons of Oedipus and Jocasta.
Creon
Brother of Jocasta and trusted adviser to Oedipus.