1. Ambiguity and Uncertainty: Sophocles masterfully creates an atmosphere of ambiguity and uncertainty throughout the play. The truth about Oedipus's parentage and past is gradually revealed, keeping the audience guessing and wondering about the eventual outcome. This uncertainty heightens the suspense and makes the audience eagerly await the resolution of the plot.
2. Dramatic Irony: Sophocles employs dramatic irony to great effect, where the audience knows certain crucial information that the characters themselves are unaware of. As the audience learns more about Oedipus's past and his actions, the tension mounts as they anticipate the moment when Oedipus will discover the truth and face the consequences of his deeds.
3. Climactic Moments: The play builds towards several climactic moments that heighten the suspense. The confrontation between Oedipus and Teiresias, the revelation of the truth through Jocasta's confession, and the final scene where Oedipus blinds himself are all powerful and suspenseful moments that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
4. Character Complexity: The characters in the play are complex and multi-dimensional, particularly Oedipus himself. His tragic flaw, his search for the truth, and his eventual fall make the audience empathize with him while simultaneously feeling horrified by his actions. This emotional complexity adds depth to the suspense, as the audience is torn between their desire for justice and their pity for Oedipus.
5. Pacing and Structure: Sophocles carefully paces the play, building tension gradually and then releasing it through moments of high drama. The structure of the play, with its twists and turns, also contributes to the overall suspense, leaving the audience unsure of how the story will ultimately resolve.
Overall, Sophocles' skillful storytelling, use of dramatic irony, complex characters, and well-structured plot allow him to maintain suspense effectively throughout the play, leaving the audience captivated until the very end.