The word hamartia means a fatal flaw that leads to the downfall of a tragic hero. Yet the cause of his downfall was not due to one flaw but to many faults. Oedipus had great traits and qualities of a great king such as intelligence, pride, and determination. These traits are also the main cause of his downfall. The characteristics that helped him also hurt him. At the beginning of the poem there are signs that Oedipus is about to fail. When he becomes king and his city is struck by a plague, he does his best to please his people. Unlike most kings who would stand aside and let their kingdom perish due to the plague, Oedipus is determined to find answers. He is really trying his best to find out what is causing this plague. Oedipus only wants the best for his people, which is why he tells them: "I cried every night, you must know,/ going, toiling along many paths of thought./ After a painful search I found a cure:/ I acted immediately , I sent Creon…/ to know what I could do or say to save our city' (lines 78-84) Oedipus accepts the first thing he hears, which is that all he has to do is f...