Irony in Oedipus Rex

…

… the events of the play into the moments before and after Oedipus's realization, Sophocles heightens the dramatic tragedy. Using dramatic irony to involve the audience, the characters come alive in their flawed brilliance. Oedipus is human, regardless of his pride in his intelligence and social stature or his stubbornness, and the audience realizes this in his reaction to his sinful actions. Watching his lamentation, the audience is moved to pity for this broken man.