When Oedipus finally falls from the throne, he doesn't kill himself, rather he gouges out his eyes. The symbolic blinding of Oedipus suggests that he has a catharsis, experiencing a spiritual renewal where he learns to see the truth. Furthermore, because he is forced to live with a punishment worse than death, his suffering does not end, drawing greater pity from the audience. By fulfilling all the essential characteristics of the tragic hero, Oedipus attains a greater connection to the audience, further exemplifying the play's underlying tragic effect.
Antigone, the first installment of the Oedipus Trilogy, though set chronologically last, also depicts the essence of the tragic hero. Through the character of Creon, Sophocles effectively conveys the essential elements of a tragic hero. Creon is, first, king of Thebes, thus illustrating his high state, but he more importantly embodies innate characteristics of nobility and virtue. In addressing the Chorus, he declares, "These are my principles. Never at my hands will the traitor be honored above the patriot. But whoever proves his loyalty to the state: I"ll prize that man in death as well as life" (l 232-235). Creon puts country above all else, and for this, he personifies the tragic hero's characteristic of nobility. He is, moreover, a man of strength and formidability. As a man who values his country, he punishes all those who threaten his country, exemplifying strong convictions and firm decisions. However, as good and formidable as Creon may be, he also embodies human qualities. True, he does good in punishing Polynices, the aggressor to Thebes, but his foolish decision to not bury him defies the gods, and in turn, illustrates him as a man of imperfection. His imperfection is further shown in his excessive pride. After Tiresias warns him of his transgressions, Creon declares, "It's a dreadful thing to yield but resist now? Lay my pride bare to the blows of ruin? That's dreadful too" (l 1219-1221).