The people of Thebes are restless, having recently been stricken with a sting of plagues. They confront Oedipus, their king, seeking solution. Creon was pleased to return with an answer. The plague, he was told, was punishment for the wrongful death of King Laius, the former king of Thebes and former husband of Jocasta. Oedipus strongly and angrily urges the people to apprehend the murderer so that justice may be done.
Help is sought from the blind soothsayer Teiresias.
He warns Oedipus that it would be better for him if he did not disclose what he knew. Oedipus becomes outraged and confused by this. Mercilessly egged on by Oedipus, Teiresias finally informs Oedipus that he, Oedipus, is responsible for all that has occurred in Thebes. Oedipus, greatly offended, does not want to hear this. He accuses Teiresias of conspiring with Creon in a plot to take the throne.