Oedipus
King of Thebes. Defeated the Sphinx and married the
queen Jocasta. He is intelligent and stubborn.
Priest
Servant of the gods. Leads suffering suppliants. Asks
Oedipus to help his people.
Creon
Brother of Jocasta. He is bossy and bureaucratic – he
wants power for himself.
Chorus
The elder men and women of the town of Thebes (where
the play takes place).
Tiresias
Aged, blind seer of Thebes. Can see what others
refuse to.
Jocasta
Queen of Thebes and wife of Oedipus. Mother of
their four children.
Messenger
A messenger from Corinth, where Oedipus grew up.
Herdsman
Shepherd from Thebes. Spent most of his time tending
his flock on Mount Cithaeron.
Antigone & Ismene
Daughters of Oedipus and Jocasta.