What role does Tiresias play in the narrative?

Tiresias serves as a blind prophet in the narrative, playing a crucial role in conveying wisdom and warnings to the characters, particularly King Creon. His blindness symbolizes insight, as he possesses the ability to see truths beyond the physical realm. Tiresias is pivotal in highlighting the consequences of Creon’s rigid decisions, particularly regarding the burial of Polynices. He foretells the dire implications of ignoring divine law and the inevitable suffering that will befall Creon if he persists in his hubris. This conflict between human law and divine law is central to the themes of the play, and Tiresias’s counsel underscores the need for humility and reverence for the gods. Through this character, Sophocles effectively illustrates the tragic outcomes that result from ignorance and disregard for moral duty.