The story of Oedipus is characteristic of what Aristotle defines as a tragic hero. Oedipus is a noble and respected man who unknowingly does things in his life that ultimately cause his downfall. Oedipus' tragic flaws lead him to seek the truth and discover the real truth about himself. Ironically his desire for the truth causes his downfall. The story of Oedipus makes the audience feel empathy and fear for him. But what Oedipus happens in the story is his destiny. Aristotle also stated that the tragic hero must gain a kind of wisdom from his faulty judgment. Epidus eventually finds that wisdom and becomes an example of how great men can fall unexpectedly