What does the character Teiresias represent in the play?

Teiresias represents the futility of human effort against fate in "Oedipus Rex." As a blind prophet, he embodies the idea that no matter how much individuals strive to alter their destinies, they are ultimately powerless against the predetermined path laid out by the gods. His role reflects the play's central theme of fate versus free will, demonstrating that Oedipus’s attempts to escape his fate only lead him closer to its inevitable fulfillment.

In the context of the story, when Teiresias reveals the truth about Oedipus's origins and actions, he highlights the limits of human understanding and the extent to which individuals are trapped by fate. Oedipus, despite his intelligence and determination, cannot change the course of events that have already been set in motion, illustrating the tragic irony of his situation. Teiresias's insights serve to reinforce the idea that human efforts are ultimately futile in the face of divine will.