Oedipus is a self-confident, intelligent man with a strong will and a great king. Ironically, it is precisely these traits that provoke his tragic discovery. There are many themes in the play that add to his character, which ultimately causes his own undoing. As the audience walks through the play, they recognize the reasons why Oedipus ends up like this, blind but seeing the truth. The audience learns how his character develops, by observing his behavior and his interactions with other characters in the play. The chorus also plays a major role in his characterization, as do the many references to light, dark and sight in the play Say No to Plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay King Oedipus is described as a great and respected king. He is ready and willing to do whatever he can to help his people rid Thebes of the polluter of their lands. “I would gladly do anything to help you, indeed I would be heartless if I stopped my ears, at a general petition like this.” The priest is the first character the audience is introduced to in the play, besides Oedipus. The priest praises Oedipus, asks for his help, and gives the audience their first impressions of the main character "Now Oedipus great and glorious." The dialogue between the priest and Oedipus helps the viewer understand the character and his evolution throughout the play. The next main speech given in the play is that of Oedipus to the people of Thebes. He is extremely confident that he can warn the citizens of Thebes of their fate if they do not cooperate with his investigation. He promises banishment and shame to anyone found guilty; The tragic irony is that he is the polluter of Thebes and he curses himself. The audience then realizes that Oedipus is the blind fool whose confidence and arrogance will lead to his demise. The third main dialogue which reveals even more the tragic character of the king is that of Tiresias and Oedipus. Teiresias is a blind prophet whom Oedipus summoned to his palace to tell him who the polluter is. First, Teiresias refuses to speak because he knows, as does the audience, that Oedipus is responsible for the murder of the former king Laius, which brings about the plague of bad luck. The first example of Oedipus' ignorance is when Teiresias constantly implies "you are all wrong. I refuse to reveal the heavy secrets of my soul - and yours". He says this to Oedipus and the ignorant king fails to see how this could have anything to do with him "I know as you do, that you live in a sinful union with the one you love, living in ignorance of your own loss. ". It is frustrating to the audience that Oedipus still cannot see his sins, which adds to his character's arrogance, ignorance, and selfish behavior. The fourth main speech takes place between Oedipus and his trusted brother-in-law Creon. This comes after Oedipus has just been confronted and some accuse Tiresias of being the polluter of Thebes. Oedipus lets his insecurity take over and hastily concludes that Creon organized everything. “Have you the face to stand before my door, proven conspirator against my life, thief of my crown.” He is so sure of himself that he attacks his most trusted loved one, which proves that arrogance and ignorance have once again shown through in Oedipus' character. By the end of page 43, the audience saw the confident and respected king transform into an ignorant and narrow-minded victim of his own tragic fate. The use of the chorus is also an important part of the play that helps us learn more about Oedipus. The first appearance of the chorus in the play..