What is Oedipus's primary quest in the play?

Oedipus's primary quest in the play is to find the murderer of King Laius. This search serves as the catalyst for the unfolding tragedy in "Oedipus Rex." When the play begins, Thebes is suffering from a plague, and Oedipus, as the king, seeks to rid the city of this affliction by discovering and punishing the person responsible for Laius's death. His determination to address the city's suffering highlights his responsibility as a ruler and sets up the dramatic irony that permeates the story. As Oedipus investigates the murder, he uncovers not only the identity of the killer but also the deeply buried truths about his own family, leading to the ultimate tragic revelation. This quest for Laius's murderer is central to the plot and themes of fate, identity, and moral responsibility, making it the focal point of Oedipus's actions and decisions throughout the play.