Who is Tiresias in the context of the play?

In "Oedipus Rex," Tiresias serves as a blind seer or prophet who possesses the ability to see the truth beyond physical sight. His blindness is significant as it symbolizes a deeper insight into the human condition and the events unfolding in Thebes. Despite his inability to see in a literal sense, he can perceive the realities that others cannot, especially the dark truths about Oedipus's past and his fate.

Tiresias plays a crucial role in the narrative by revealing the prophecy surrounding Oedipus, which ultimately leads to the tragic revelations of the story. His character underscores themes of knowledge, ignorance, and the complexity of fate, as he struggles with the burden of truth and the consequences of revealing it to Oedipus, who is initially unwilling to accept the reality that Tiresias presents. His role as a seer is pivotal, as it challenges Oedipus's understanding of himself and his world, marking a crucial turning point in the play.