In the tragedy Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, the title character and protagonist Oedipus, who is King of Thebes when the play opens, is a very different kind of character, especially in terms of presence; temperament, and developmental than is his brother-in-law and (as it turns out) successor to the throne of Thebes, the quieter and more diffident Kreon. For example, while Oedipus struts around the stage, full of pride; self-pity, and self-importance, Kreon is tentative; unassuming, and quite retiring by comparison. Further, Oedipus is hot-tempered and easily offended. Kreon is calm and even-tempered. Kreon respects the gods as being wiser than him; therefore he takes nothing personally since what happens is the will of the gods. Oedipus takes everything personally and is bellicose when fate turns against him. Oedipus therefore repeatedly offends the gods, while Kreon repeatedly respects them. Oedipus and Kreon are therefore (at least in Oedipus Rex, if not so much in other tragedies) extremely distinct.
             Kreon is a round, evolving character who grows in depth and wisdom while Oedipus, despite his apparent kingly dominance, is a relatively flat, static character. Oedipus behaves cavalierly, if not disrespectfully toward the gods, seeming often in the play to hold himself out as their equal despite the reality of his being a mere mortal. Kreon on the other hand consults the gods before making important decisions as King. His first "official act" as the new King of Thebes, for example is to exile Oedipus from the city so it might finally heal from the long plague it has suffered during Oedipus's rule.
             Kreon though (as opposed to what Oedipus himself would most likely have done in Kreon's position) consults the gods first before taking this step toward beginning to help heal his new and ailing kingdom. Oedipus's overall presence within the play is (especially at first) much bolder; m...