oedipus
... This concept can be directly related to the story Oedipus Rex. Aristotle stated, ““the tragic hero falls into bad fortune because of some flaw in his character of the kind found in men of high reputation and good fortune such as Oedipus.”” Essentially, he is telling us that Oedipus has a flaw that, under normal circumstances, would be a beneficial characteristic, but in his case, causes his demise. The defining characteristics of pride and determination can be attributed to the downfall of Oedipus. Oedipus’’ personality clearly reflects pride and determination throughout the play. When Oedipus heard the oracles’’ prediction that he was to kill his father and marry his mother, he was determined to prevent the prophecy. ... Then when he solved the Sphinx’’s riddle, Oedipus’’ pride rose to a new level. ... Oedipus also shows his determination when in search of Laius’’ murderer. ... ”” These characteristics of pride and determination, which Oedipus emanates throughout the play, may appear to be positive attributes to one’’s personality. However, Oedipus’’ actions, based on these characteristics, are what led him to his eventual downfall and suffrage. If Oedipus had not been so determined to escape and prevent the prophecy, he would not have fulfilled it. ... Of course at that time, Oedipus failed to realize his connections to Jocasta and Laius, but recognition of the truth would bring him to his eventual suffrage.