Question

PLEASE HURRYYYYY Sophocles chose his characters wisely, each with a specific purpose. Explain the type of character he uses to change the course of action in the play and reveal theme, as well as the impact the character has on the ancient Greek audience.

Answer 1

Sophocles uses Teiresias to affect both the plot and audience as well as to reveal theme. The character provides the tragic prophecy that causes Creon to change his course of action. In addition, the character would have greatly affected the mood of the ancient audience because of the significance they would have instantly attached to the blind prophet. The prophecy highlights a major conflict of the play in which the struggle between human authority and divine authority is revealed. Teiresias' character is used to remind Creon (and the audience) that the ultimate authority belongs to the gods.