Oedipus, the leading character of the play "Oedipus" by Sophocles, goes through a life full of tumultuous situations, and how well he handles and accepts these situations shows us how his character changes throughout the play. Self-realization or self knowledge is a common ploy used in Greek tragedies to convey the tragic story, and the philosophy of man, and Sophocles has supported this. Oedipus is the perfect tragic hero, whose complex character ranges from caring to evil, and even manages to bring pity to the minds of the audience. What he has suffered in this play is a result of his arrogance, which has been greatly humbled in the end. Throughout the play Oedipus is running away from the reality of his life. This is what has triggered such violent reactions to the truth and therefore such extensive changes in his character.

At the beginning of the play...