Feminist Lens

Really the only female character in the play with an actual speaking role is Jocasta. She has the dubious role of being Oedipus' mom and wife. She acts a s a moderator between Oedipus and Creon. There is also Merope who Oedipus believed was his mother. Oedipus's daughters Antigone and Ismene show up near the end of the play but don't say too much. I think, generally, women serve as inspiration to the men in their lives through their conflicts and motivations for doing things.