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Oedipus
The protagonist of Oedipus at Colonus, Oedipus is feeble and impoverished, wandering in exile, and known throughout Greece as the man who killed his father and married his mother (events covered in more detail…
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Antigone
Oedipus's daughter and guide in his blind wanderings. Although she has not been banished from Thebes, she suffers the same hardships as her father out of her love for him. When her brother Polynices…
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The Chorus
In this play, the chorus represents the elder citizens of Colonus. Sophocles's choruses react to the events of the play. The chorus speaks as one voice, or sometimes through the voice of its leader. It…
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Creon
Oedipus's brother-in-law (and uncle), Creon comes to Colonus to persuade Oedipus to return to Thebes. When Oedipus refuses, Creon has his men kidnap the old man's daughters. Creon tries to take Oedipus by force…
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Polynices
Eldest son of Oedipus and brother of Antigone. When he was in power, Polynices helped to drive his father into exile from Thebes. By the time of Oedipus at Colonus, Polynices had been…
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Minor Characters
Theseus
The just and brave king of Athens who welcomes Oedipus and promises to protect him. When the men from Thebes kidnap Oedipus's daughters, Theseus and his army rescue the girls. Theseus is a familiar figure in Greek mythology and is the legendary hero and founder of Athens.
A Citizen
The citizen of Colonus who first encounters Oedipus in the sacred grove of the Furies.
Ismene
Daughter of Oedipus and sister of Antigone. She brings the news from Thebes about the conflict between her brothers.
A Messenger
The messenger gives an eyewitnesses account of the miraculous death of Oedipus.
Eteocles
Oedipus's younger son, who overthrew Polynices to take the throne and rule Thebes jointly with Creon. He never appears onstage in the play.
