Table of ContentsIntroductionCharacter Analysis of OedipusPersonal StrengthsWeaknesses of OedipusConclusionIntroductionSophocles' “Oedipus the King” reveals how human strength can overcome our weaknesses. An individual's strength is seen through their emotions, actions and the very essence of their character. The protagonist Oedipus enjoys power, high status, and great influence in Thebes. Thebes is struck by another plague which spreads rapidly through the city. The only way to destroy this scourge is to find the person who murdered King Laius. Oedipus begins the search for the truth. The people of Thebes admire Oedipus' strength and ask him for help in defeating the plague. They believe that this epidemic struck Thebes because the individual who killed Laius remains alive and unpunished. Nevertheless, in searching for Laius's murderer, Oedipus comes closer to fulfilling the prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother. This essay explores the strength and weakness of Oedipus' character. Its strength is manifested in its ability to put the needs of its citizens above all else, helping them in times of need. His strength is also manifested in perseverance; as he is so eager to find out the truth and eventually does. Although he always has good intentions, Oedipus' tragic flaw is his excessive pride which ultimately leads to his downfall. However, Oedipus makes many unalterable mistakes throughout the play, but he recognizes these mistakes and holds himself responsible for them, which makes this play an optimistic rather than a pessimistic play. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Character Analysis of Oedipus Personal Strengths One of Oedipus' greatest strengths is his ability to always put the needs of the Thebans above all else. At the beginning of the play, many problems are drastically affecting the city of Thebes. The Chorus comes to speak to Oedipus about the terrible conditions in the city; in his Royal Palace. The choir leader said: “There is no way to count the suffering we suffer. All our people are sick. There is no sword of thought that can protect us. The fruits of our famous land do not ripen…”. This statement reveals the pain and suffering endured by the citizens, their crops are destroyed, women are in agony when giving birth and the plague has claimed the lives of many people. Overall, the city of Thebes is in great distress. The courageous Oedipus decides to act seriously, because his number one priority is always the concerns of the citizens; by sending Creon, his brother-in-law to the Oracle of Delphi to find a solution to eliminate this problem. Another great strength that Oedipus possesses is his perseverance; This is a characteristic that every leader should embody. Throughout the play, Oedipus is eager to know the truth about the murder and refuses to back down. He persists until he understands it. He had to forcibly extract particular information from several people, but he eventually found the truth he was looking for. Jocasta warns Oedipus and tells him to stop searching for the truth he is anxiously seeking. Jocasta says: “In the name of God, if you value your life at all, do not continue the search. It's enough for me to be deathly ill. Oedipus, eager to discover the truth, declares: “Nothing moves me, I will discover the whole truth.” This statement reveals that Oedipus was unwilling to change his mind and refuses to give up until he finds this truth. Additionally, his perseverance helped Thebes get out of the plague because no one knows what the cause of the plague is nor.