Role in the Play:
1. Prediction of Doom: Teiresias serves as a mouthpiece of the gods. When Creon refuses to bury Polynices and defies the divine laws, Teiresias visits Creon and predicts that the city of Thebes will suffer divine punishment if the king's actions are not corrected.
2. Warning to Creon: Teiresias warns Creon that his disobedience to the gods will bring disaster to himself and his family. He urges him to reconsider his decision and bury Polynices in accordance with the proper funeral rites.
3. Creon's Initial Rejection: Creon initially dismisses Teiresias' prophecies, accusing him of being a fraud and part of a conspiracy against him. His pride and stubbornness prevent him from listening to the wise counsel of the prophet.
4. Fulfillment of the Prophecy: As the play progresses, the dire consequences of Creon's actions start to unfold. His son, Haemon, commits suicide, and his wife, Eurydice, follows suit, stricken by grief. Teiresias' prediction comes true, and Creon is left to face the consequences of his arrogance.
5. Realization of Guilt: At the end of the play, Creon experiences a moment of self-awareness and realizes that his actions have brought about the tragic events. He mourns the deaths of his loved ones and acknowledges his responsibility for their fates.
Teiresias' role in the play serves to highlight the importance of respecting the divine laws and adhering to moral principles. He underscores the consequences of hubris and the futility of defying the will of the gods. His presence reinforces the theme of fate and the tragic nature of human existence, as he unveils the events that lead to the downfall of Creon and the suffering of the people of Thebes.