Supporting characters in plays and other literary works often play an important role, not only in advancing the storyline, but also in revealing the attributes and affairs of the main characters main. Tiresias in Oedipus the King is no exception to this importance. Teiresias plays many roles in the play, including his role as a father figure and the archetypal “wise old man” found in many Greek tragedies. He is an oracle and one of the first to reveal the truth about Oedipus' fate. Tiresias also acts as a foil for Oedipus, revealing characteristics in him that the reader would not otherwise see. The single but vital scene of Tiresias and Oedipus gives “the rest of the play…the form of an implacable and complete vindication of the truth of Tiresias” (Lattimore 1). Teiresias acts as a father figure in the play Oedipus and the City of Thebes, and as such, Oedipus is hostile and aggressive towards him, accusing him of having been bribed by Creon, and denigrating his visions when he declares “QUOTE” (book, page); showing animosity towards people in positions of authority. The main reason why Oedipus accuses Creon of corruption is the fact that it was he who urged Oedipus to appeal to Teiresias for help. As well as “Creon and Teiresias will soon be suspected of having plotted against him; the delay of these two men, in this particular period of crisis” (Lattimore 1). Tiresias' fatherly role and Oedipus' aggression towards him and other characters playing a similar role are an important theme of the play. Oedipus being raised by a foster family, even without his knowledge, created deep hostility and resentment towards authority and father figures. His hatred is so great... middle of paper...... that we have to know who the real assassin of Laius was, without believing that it was he who did it. During his search, he learns things about himself that he would not have learned otherwise if Tiresias had remained silent and not revealed the prophecy to him. The role of the secondary characters is indeed important. One that serves multiple purposes in any literary work, whether it is a play, a novel, or a short story. Supporting characters provide insight into the character's personality, they move the story forward, and even make their own contribution to the story's theme or plot. Teiresias is perhaps one of the most important minor characters in the play. His blind insight and ability to spur Oedipus into action play a central role in enhancing readers' ability to discern things not divulged by the author, as well as in their understanding of characters and events of the plot of the play..