In literature, a minor character can sometimes play a critical role. While their appearance may be brief, they come to symbolize much more when related to the text as a whole. Additionally, their interactions with other characters can initiate starts of important plot lines. One such character is Teiresias in Oedipus Rex, by Sophocles. Teiresias’ entry is an essential event in the plotline of Oedipus Rex. Through use of excessive  dramatic irony, Sophocles uses Teiresias to exaggerate Oedipus’ characterization as well as begin the abdication of Oedipus, the mighty King of Thebes. First of all, Sophocles’ references to sight and eyes throughout the play are the pinnacle of dramatic irony used, as well as contributing to a major theme. When Teiresias enters after line 298, the stage directions inform the reader that he is blind. Although this seems insignificant at first, if one takes into account that no other stage directions include physical attributes of the character, it notifies the reader that a small bit of information is essential to the following lines. Subsequently, the following conversation is full of statements relating to sight such as “sees the light” (Sophocles 36) and “have you eyes” (37) furthering the significance of Teiresias physical condition. Furthermore, Oedipus insults stem of this ailment, calling him “sightless” (36) coupled with “brainless” therefore mistaking insight and knowledge for a physical sense. In addition, Oedipus is known for his quick reactions and ability to comprehend what he sees almost instantaneously. Ironically, he has been “blind” to the truth for his entire life. Moreover, Teiresias is a knowledgeable seer that can “see” much more than others. Oedipus yearns to know the facts and reality of his life; in contrast, Teiresias implies that to know the truth can be burdensome stating “[he] means to spare [Oedipus]” (35), consequently prolonging the conversa