Sophocles" "Oedipus Rex" is an ancient Greek play that explores the life of Oedipus, the King of Thebes, and his horrifying discovery that he has killed his father and married his mother. Oedipus possesses character traits such as self-confidence, strong will and intelligence. The fact that he possesses these traits is why he was able to solve the riddle of the Sphinx and become the ruler of Thebes. Ironically, it is these same qualities that lead Oedipus, as the Oracle prophesied, to his own doom, which ultimately led to Iokaste's suicide and Oedipus" self-inflicted blindness. .
Oedipus was obviously a wise man because he solved the riddle and saved the city of Thebes. The people of the city did not hesitate one bit to express their admiration for his great intellect. The priest led gratitude. "You are not one of the immortal gods, we know; yet we have come to you to make our prayer. As to the man surest in mortal ways and wisest in the ways of God" (line 35). The citizens of Thebes recognize Oedipus" superior intellect, and they need his great mind to come through as their savior once again and rid Themes of the evil that threatens the city. .
Not only do the people of Thebes regard him as highly intelligent but Oedipus as well believes himself to have a superior mind. "Then once more I must bring what is dark to life"(line 130). This reply is arrogant but he did solve the riddle of the Sphinx when no one else could. Unfortunately his brilliant mind led him to realize that it was he who killed his father. Oedipus took great pride in saving people and being seen as a hero. He wanted the death of Laios to be avenged and he had to be the one to find the murderer and punish him. "I"ll fight for him, I"ll leave no means untried, to catch the one who did it with his hand -(line 270-271). .
Another of King Oedipus" character traits was self-confidence. Throughout the play, Oedipus displays a great deal of self -confidence.