Sophocles (circa 496-406 BCE) remains one of the towering figures of ancient Greek drama and literature. Born in Colonus, near Athens, he lived through the most vibrant age of dramatic art and Athenian intellect, contributing substantially to its apex. With more than 120 plays to his name, Sophocles' legacy is immortalized through his extant tragedies, of which only seven survive in their entirety. These works include the Theban plays 'Oedipus Rex', 'Antigone', and 'Oedipus at Colonus', a trilogy that explores themes of fate, free will, and the human condition. His other surviving works, 'Ajax', 'Electra', 'Philoctetes', and 'The Women of Trachis', display a remarkable blend of complex characters and profound moral and philosophical examination. Sophocles' literary style marked a departure from the earlier dramatist Aeschylus, favoring subtler dialogues and more developed characters, a reflection of his artistic innovation. Notably, he introduced the third actor to the stage, expanding the dramatic possibilities of Greek theatre. His influence pervades Western literature, philosophy, and theatre, echoing in the works of innumerable artists and playwrights over the centuries. His mastery in tragedy reflects the timeless nature of human struggles against the gods, destiny, and personal flaws, establishing him as an eternal icon of literary excellence in Western culture.
