At once Oedipus’ mother and his wife, Jocasta represents the most immediate victim of Oedipus’ fate, after the tragic hero himself. In contrast to Oedipus, Jocasta distrusts the oracles and believes that whatever happens will happen by unforeseeable chance. Still, she is wary enough to honor Apollo with offerings in a crisis.

Intelligent and capable, but not driven to exploration as Oedipus is, Jocasta has her own philosophy about what should be known or looked into. When Jocasta realizes before Oedipus the reality of his identity, she begs him to stop his questioning to avoid grief. Later, her own panicked grief impels her to suicide.