The responsibility of the actions that one takes is often distributed in a direction opposite that of the party accountable. This dispersion is frequently carried out without merit, and becomes the scourge of potential conflicts. However, in contrast to the quintessential, predictable individual, the hero will accept the liability with honor, and the tragic hero will accept the responsibility and compensate in a manner dependent on what was lost and what was effected. Oedipus the King forfeits his family, throne, and vision in recompense for his mistakes laced with the hamartia of hubris in the various steps leading to his self-revelation.

Oedipus begins his spiraling descent to consciousness before entering Thebes, the city-state over which he is king. A drunkard informs Oedipus in Corinth that his supposed parents are not related biologically, catalyzing Oedipus to query into the truth. Oedipus ventures forth to the Oracle at Delphi at...