A Greek tragedy is when the protagonist, usually someone who holds a lot of importance and outstanding personal qualities, results in a downfall of personal failing. Oedipus King of Thebes is a great king with ideal traits in his individual personality. He became the king at the time of the plague, to end the plague on Thebes, Oedipus searched to find who killed Laius. the old king. what he discovered impacted him and ultimately ended with him being a tragedy due to his hubris actions which lead to his downfall, the cathartic effect that leaves the audience sympathizing with him, and his ignorance. Oedipus is portrayed as a tragedy because of his hubris actions that lead to his downfall. Oedipus believes he can change his own fate and run away from his own prophecy. The play, "Oedipus King Sophocles" translated by David Grene, Oedipus states that "he sent his rascal prophet to me since he keeps his own mouth clean of any guilt", this quote shows how Oedipus 's pride is getting in the way of believing the truth and reality. oedipus believes that they 're trying to point the finger at him. Jocasta proceeds to tell him what the prophecy is and the whole entire story. oedipus responds saying, "O dear Jocasta as I hear from you, there comes upon me. a wondering of the soul--I could run mad", as one can see he is still not listening to anyone and only believes what he wants. this leads to his downfall because he began to think too highly of himself and did not listen to what