Tragedy as Defined by Sophecle

Oedipus Rex by Sophocles is the definition of Greek tragedy. All elements of Greek tragedy can be found in Oedipus Rex. The main character, Oedipus, King of Thebes, is a male of noble birth with noble characteristics. He is brave, "You saved us from the Sphinx," (38-39), he is loyal "You shall see how I stand by you...to avenge the city and the city's god," (137-138), and he is caring "...But my spirit groans …

… their fear for the people of Thebes, because the plague and pestilence have been lifted. They are also purged of their pity for Oedipus. Instead of pitying him, they admire him for doing the right thing, even though it wasn't in his best interests. All of the elements of a Greek tragedy: noble birth, quest for justice, error in judgment, and catharsis appear in Oedipus Rex; therefore, it is a definition of Greek tragedy.