If you are familiar with Aristotle's definition of a tragic hero, you may consider King Oedipus, from Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, as a potential example of an ideal tragic hero. Sophocles exemplifies the definition of a tragic hero in his portrayal of King Oedipus, as well as masterfully constructing a tragedy that has endured for centuries and continues to thrive as a classic work of literature to this day. A brief review of Oedipus Rex reveals the key elements in defining a tragic hero. The first is that the situation, as it unfolds, is complex in nature. The protagonist, King Oedipus, is of nobility and great respect; however, he is also personally troubled by unresolved issues from his past. The second element is his hamartia or error, a sort of tragic flaw. The final element is his fall from his position of power and respect after the climax of the story. Aristotle observed that to define a tragic hero, one should start with a man of nobility or great respect. The city is struggling with problems that are creating unnecessary difficulties for the population. During this time, Oedipus vows that he will do whatever is necessary to save the city and informs the people that he has sent his brother-in-law Creon to Delphi to seek advice from the god of prophecy, Apollo. Oedipus' goal is to determine why the city is besieged by the gods and what action he must take to save the city. In the first scene, when Creon returns from Delphi, he tells Oedipus that the gods are punishing Thebes for harboring the former king's murderer, Laios, who was killed before Oedipus took the throne. Oedipus is shocked to learn that the people never found the murderer of King Laius and declares an edict of justice “pronouncing a terrible curse upon the murderer if he does not immediately come forward” (Knox, 1957, p. 12). Oedipus also states that every man, woman and child is subject to the proclamation, including