Creon – Oedipus * Creon is portrayed as a pretty stand-up guy. * He shows himself to be honest, forthright, and even tempered. * The best example of Creon's reasonable nature happens when Oedipus accuses him of conspiracy. * Instead of getting mad at his paranoid brother-in-law (and nephew), Creon offers a rational explanation as to why he has no desire for Oedipus's crown . He is the epitome of calmness and remains firm to his position and to who he is . * For one, Creon already has all the power he wants * . Because he is the brother of Oedipus's wife * he basically has the same amount of status as Oedipus. Everybody sucks up to him to try and get to the king. * If Creon had the crown he would have basically the same amount of power but ten times the headache. * In this scene, Creon’s rationality stands out in stark contrast to Oedipus's angry paranoia. * Creon's argument is also strengthened by the fact that he's the one who gave Oedipus the crown in the first place. * After the death of Laius, Creon was the King of Thebes. When the Sphinx started tormenting his city, he proclaimed that anybody who could solve her riddle could have his crown and the hand of his sister, Jocasta. Oedipus solved the riddle, and Creon proved to be a man of his word. A person who was truly power hungry would've gone back on his promise. * In the last scene of Oedipus the King, Creon also shows himself to be forgiving. * Rather than mocking Oedipus, who has just accused him of some pretty terrible things, Creon is gentle. We see the difference between Oedipus and Creon here . * He brings the mutilated and grieving Oedipus inside, away from the public eye and also promises to care for the fallen king's children. In the end, it is only at Oedipus's request that Creon banishes him from Thebes. My second point will explain some of the values Creon represents in this story. I feel that Creon represents truth and honesty throughout this drama. He has strong values and he loves his city so much that he focuses on making the right decision for the people as well and the royal family. Even though Oedipus accused him of lying and plotting against him, Creon still honors him by letting him speak his word and say goodbye to his children, before he is exiled. Creon has a strong personality and seems to have even stronger morals. Most in his situation would have sent Oedipus away already. For my third point I will be examining how essential Creon is to the way the situation plays itself out. Creon obviously does have a significant affect on the way things are played out. Even if his involvement may have seemed harmless, by delivering the news from the oracle and requesting the presence of the prophet Creon makes himself a target for Oedipus. Oedipus begins to focus more on Creon’s deceit than on what he needs to do to find out how to cure Thebes. Had Creon not delivered the news Oedipus would not have accused him of being a liar. Creon really helped in finding the true reason why their city was cursed. And once Oedipus realized the truth and disabled himself, Creon assumed the role as king. This gave Creon the right to decide Oedipus’ fate. So Creon really does play a major part in the way the situation plays itself out.