In the tragic plays of Oedipus the King and Hamlet, Prince of Denmark both protagonists share tragic flaws that lead the downfalls of both men. The two men share similar flaws as well as having differing ones. These flaws create the tragedy ever present in the two plays. If both were not so tragically flawed, there would be no tragedy in the first place, and the audience would long for the heroic ending befalling both characters instead of detesting that end. It is these flaws that create Hamlet and Oedipus' character, and it ultimately leads to both men's downfall.
             Oedipus' hubristic attitude led him to his heroic ending. He pretends to be superior to the Gods. His actions create his denial of the gods "Truth," which brings the Truth out to the open and causes him to fall off his kingly pedestal. His flaws bring out the "real man" in him. He dares to face his denial about things, the issues he fails to accept. However, instead of acting honorably, he chooses to run away from them. Realizing the gods were right all along, he decides to inflict more pain onto himself to show his remorse and sorrow. Oedipus wanted his people to feel sorry for him and to help carry out his wishes when he could carry his wishes out himself. Never is that more true than in the following quote: "You pray to the gods? Let me grant your prayers. Come, listen to me – do what the plague demands; you'll find relief and lift your head from the depths."(Sophocles 245-47)
             Hamlet found himself placed in a very similar position as Oedipus. Hamlet was a prince, dealing with the mystery of his father's death. Both Oedipus and Hamlet have guides of divine nature, Oedipus's being the oracle at Delphi, Hamlet's the ghost of his father, as well as being intelligent in their own respects. Both of their mothers play a key role, Oedipus' mother Jocasta became the final piece of the puzzle...