Oedipus is one of the most complex characters in Greek Drama. His character traits are in contrast of each other, and make it difficult for the reader to decide if he is truly guilty of his tragedy. He has his strengths, which enable him to become someone important, such as a king. He also has weaknesses that bring him to his downfall. A reader can't help but feel sympathy for Oedipus. In my opinion, the punishment he received was too much. It was his fate, he tried to escape it, and prove the prophecy wrong, but what could a mortal do to change what is already written down.
             Oedipus chose to leave his parents thinking he would be saving them from the terrible prophecy, that showed that he really cared for them, and would rather not see them again than harm them in any way. Surely, in the end this decision to leave Corinth, proved not to be the best one, for it brought him to Thebes, where he would fulfill the prophecy unknowingly. We also know that he was very intelligent, he solved the Sphinx's riddle and rid the people of the monster. He was very quick to act when needed. At the first sight of trouble, Oedipus acted without being advised to. He was extremely efficient as king and ruler. He sent Creon to see the oracle, after that he sent for Teiresias, and vowed to his people he would find Lauis's killer and bring Thebes back to their normal self. He took the responsibility of saving his people to heart, and truly felt it was important to bring the murderer to justice, and give the deceased king peace.
             Oedipus had many good qualities that made him a great man, but he also had those that destroyed him. His short temper, irrational way of thinking. And inability to see the facts that are in front of him. When at the crossroad, the old man, his father, strikes him to get him out of the way of his passing carriage. Oedipus outraged from the physical assault, loses his temper and ends up killing th
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