As students read, a storyboard can serve as a helpful character reference log. This log (also called a character map) allows students to recall relevant information and details about important characters. The relationships between characters in Oedipus Rex a vital to understanding how the tragedy unfolds. A character map can help keep this complex web of characters from getting tangled.
Note that you can click on this map and create a copy to your teacher account. Feel free to use this one or edit it to make it easier or harder for more advanced classes! The easiest way to use this is to print it and use as worksheets for your students to complete while reading!
| NAME | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| King Laius | Former King of Thebes who is killed by Oedipus, his son. |
| Jocasta | Wife of King Laius, who, after his death, married the savior of Thebes, Oedipus, who turns out to be her son. |
| Oedipus | The tragic hero of the play who cannot escape prophecy: he kills his father and marries his mother. |
| Creon | Brother-in-law of Oedipus and future ruler of Thebes. |
| Terisias | The blind prophet who warns Oedipus not to investigate Laius's death. |
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a character map for the major characters.
Give a quick review of Ancient Greek culture to get things started, covering things like religion, politics, and social structure. Stress how the Greeks had a belief in a predetermined fate directed by the gods. Actions were frequently considered as being predetermined by fate. Teachers can choose interesting topics like mythologies to grab the attention of students.
Encourage the students to perform independent research on Ancient Greek writers and their commonly used themes in the writing. These central ideas will encapsulate the tragedies and dilemmas of that time which will help students better understand the culture and mindset of Ancient Greek people.
Describe the importance of the Oracle of Delphi to ancient Greek religion. Describe how it influences choices and makes prophecies. Discuss some other important characters in history and their influence on the culture and beliefs.
Ask the students to analyze the major conflicts encountered by the characters in the play and how the characters deal with these conflicts. For instance, incest and killing a parent are major issues in the play which can also be found in other Greek literature. How Oedipus deals with these issues and the prophecies will help students analyze the influence of his time period and values.
Ask the students to examine, what kinds of tragedies have been written by different writers in history. Students can compare different tragedies to understand the influence of different cultures on the actions of the hero.
Since Oedipus is the main character and the focal point of the character map, his presence is significant for all relationships on the map. His contacts with Tiresias and Creon, as well as his marriage to Jocasta, should be noted in the lines that link him to other characters. Students can also focus on other elements of the character map such as character motivations, traits, and beliefs to get a holistic view of the play.
A complicated relationship exists between Oedipus and Tiresias. Oedipus receives a warning from the blind prophet Tiresias about his fate. Students can make a connecting line through this interaction to illustrate Tiresias' prophetic insight. Tiresias plays an important role in determining Oedipus’ inevitable fate and tragic end. Students can reflect on the significance of Tiresias’ character as a prophet and the importance of such characters in Greek mythology in general.