1. Sophocles 496-406 B.C (?) Writer, Actor, General, Politician

2. Greatest of Ancient Greek Playwrites Prominent citizen of Athens known for his musical, poetic, and dramatic talents Won twenty-four first prizes and seven second prizes in thirty-one dramatic competitions, the best record of any Greek playwrite Wrote more than 120 tragedies (only 7 survive)

3. Politician, political leader, and priest Served as general under Pericles Late in life he helped organize the recovery of Athens after its defeat at Syracuse

4. A Religious Conservative Deeply concerned with the individual’s need to find a place in the existing moral and cosmic order His plays always contain a moral lesson – usually a caution against pride and religious indifference

5. The Theban Plays Three tragedies about King Oedipus of Thebes and his family Written over the course of forty years Began with part three, Antigone, first performed in 442 B.C. Twelve years later wrote Oedipus, the King