Oedipus: guilt, fate and punishment Sophocles' trilogy of Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus and Antigone is a powerful and tragic tale that examines the nature of human being guilt, fate and punishment. Creon, Oedipus' uncle and brother-in-law, is the most dynamic character in the story. His character experiences a drastic metamorphosis over the course of the three plays. Creon's view of the proper role of a monarch, his concept and respect for justice, as well as his respect for design, evolve considerably with the tragic conclusion of the trilogy. In Oedipus the King (OK), the audience is introduced to Creon who seems to place loyalty to the king above all else. He sympathizes with the tragic situation of King Oedipus and does not assert any apparent ambition. His attitude towards the king is one of submission and total reverence. Creon's notion of justice in OK derives directly from the divine. What the gods have decreed must become law. Creon is saddened by Oedipus' exile, but must do so as the gods willed. Creon's respect for divinity and prophecy seems to be his defining trait in OK. His attitude is one of undisputed reverence. In Oedipus at Colonus (OC), we see the beginning of Creon's decline. Creon has now come to occupy the throne that once belonged to Oedipus. It soon becomes apparent that his view of the proper role of a king has changed to suit his new position. The emphasis shifts from that of a king who must rule wisely to that of a king who must rule inflexibly. Kingship becomes a selfish tool for Creon in his attempt to ensure Oedipus's return and the prophesied good fortune that will accompany him. Creon's notion of justice is severely distorted in OC. He becomes monomaniacal, conducting his affairs with tyranny and belligerence. For example, he threatens to harm Oedipus' daughters if the blind beggar does not return to Thebes. His vision of rightness and equity no longer aligns with that of his subjects. In OC, Creon still retains a certain respect for divine prophecies. After all, these motivated his desire to bring Oedipus back to Thebes. Antigone reveals the extent to which Creon's character deteriorates. His transformation is complete; he has become an unreasonable tyrant. Creon can no longer be called king. He became a despot.