Oedipus Rex, by Sophocles, tells the story of Oedipus, a tragic hero. Oedipus sets out to free his city, Thebes, from the plague by finding Laius' murderer. However, along the way, he discovers that it was he who killed Laius and married the dowager queen Jocasta, his mother. Because of Oedipus' high rank, high morals, flaws, recognition, and reversals and catharsis within the play, Oedipus is classified as an Aristotelian tragic hero. Because of his high status in society and his high morals, Oedipus can be considered a tragic hero. When the priest first addresses Oedipus, he says, "Oedipus, you who rule my land..." (11). The priest directly states that Oedipus is the king, reflecting Oedipus' high status. In addition to his high status, Oedipus also shows himself to have high ethical characteristics. Addressing the people of Thebes regarding the miserable condition of the city, Oedipus states: “…my soul groans for the city, for me and for you/together” (13). He feels more pain than people individually because he suffers for all of them. Oedipus genuinely cares about the well-being of...