The chorus functions as one character throughout the beginning of the play. This is obvious, being as it speaks in first person and considers the chorus as a whole to be "I". After Tiresias accuses Oedipus of being Laius' murderer, the chorus is confused and doesn't know who to believe in this situation. They eventually come to the conclusion that they won't consider Oedipus guilty of the crime until they have substantial proof, saying "No, not till I see/ these charges proved will I side with his accusers." (568-569).
This statement reveals many things about the Chorus as a character. It shows that they were able to take both sides of the argument and come to a reasonable agreement. We also see amidst the confusion that the Chorus is very loyal to Oedipus when they claim that they don't think the man who saved Thebes from the Sphinx, becoming "the joy of Thebes" (571) would ever be capable of murdering Laius. The Chorus again proves their loyalty to Oedipus when they close their justification to their reasoning, saying "Never will I convict my king, never in my heart."(572). As the play moves forward, the Chorus' true feelings towards Oedipus will show if these accusations become more serious, and if any proof is shown.
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