1. The Plague: The play opens with Thebes suffering from a plague, and the citizens seek help from their king, Oedipus. This sets the stage for the subsequent events and establishes the urgency of finding a solution.
2. Oedipus's Investigation: Oedipus vows to find the cause of the plague by investigating the murder of the previous king, Laius. He orders Tiresias, a blind prophet, to reveal the truth, but Tiresias initially hesitates due to the potential consequences.
3. Creon's Arrival: Oedipus sends his brother-in-law, Creon, to Delphi to consult the oracle. Creon returns with the revelation that the plague will end only when the killer of Laius is punished. This intensifies the search for the truth.
4. Oedipus's Confrontation with Tiresias: Oedipus confronts Tiresias, accusing him of withholding information. Tiresias eventually reveals that Oedipus himself is the murderer of Laius, and he also predicts Oedipus's downfall and suffering.
5. Jocasta's Involvement: Oedipus's wife, Jocasta, tries to dismiss Tiresias's prophecy as mere speculation. She reveals that Laius was foretold to be killed by his own son, but she assures Oedipus that this did not happen. However, her attempts to pacify Oedipus only add to the tension.
6. The Messenger's Arrival: A messenger arrives from Corinth, bringing the news that Oedipus's supposed father, Polybus, has died. This seems to exonerate Oedipus from the prophecy of killing his father, but it later becomes crucial in revealing the truth.
7. Oedipus's Past Revealed: As the investigation continues, more evidence emerges pointing towards Oedipus as the killer of Laius. A shepherd and a survivor of the encounter with Laius provide additional details that confirm Oedipus's involvement.
8. Jocasta's Realization and Death: Jocasta finally understands the truth and is devastated. She realizes that she married her own son and became the mother of his children. Unable to bear the revelation, she takes her own life.
These events build upon one another, creating a sense of suspense and dread. The climax of the play occurs when Oedipus fully comprehends the tragic truth and faces the consequences of his actions, leading to his downfall and suffering.