Initially, Oedipus appears to be a confident, valiant hero. This is alluded to at the beginning of the play when Priest recalls the time when Oedipus saved Thebes from the evil reign of the Sphinx. He answered her riddle with complete knowledge of the desire outcome had he failed. A tragedy typically introduces the main character as one with a grand sense of self-esteem and bravery. In the first chorus of the play, which represents the unified voice of the Thebans, they pray to the Gods to alleviate a new affliction that plagues their city. Immediately after this, Oedipus states, “Is this your prayer? It may be answered. Come” (p. 1291, l. 51). This demonstrates a sense of hubris that is a common aspect in many classical tragedies. Oedipus also becomes informed of a new fate of his foretold by the blind seer Teiresias. Oedipus will only learn about his true fate once he discovers the truth to his father’s murder. Only after he solves the mystery of Laios’ murder will Thebes be purged of the plague that has stricken the city.
Oedipus' character quickly changes to a man in denial-a man more like a tyrant than a king-as he begins to solve the new riddle of Laios' death. A mounting paranoia grips Oedipus when Jocasta, his mother, recounts the story of her husband's murder, leading the king to suspect his own past actions. Oedipus still retains a high level of hubris since he refuses to place blame on himself for the plague. He shifts the blame onto others as he continues the investigation of his father’s murder. This is evident when Oedipus goes on the defensive when Teiresias accuses Oedipus of being the murderer. Oedipus goes on the counter-offensive and tries placing blame on Teiresias. As the play progresses, it is the truth that Oedipus faces that changes who he is and the reality that he has grown comfortable with.
