In Oedipus the King, what good qualities does Oedipus have?

Like many great kings, Oedipus has many good qualities.
First, he learns of the prophecy that he is to grow up and kill his father and marry his
mother. Not knowing that he is adopted, Oedipus leaves his home and family in order to
prevent the prophecy from manifesting itself true. No doubt, he is saddened by the fact
of leaving his homeland, but he does so to protect his parents. He proves he is
unselfish by leaving. He proves he cares about others more than
himself.

Sadly enough, in all his efforts to prevent the
horrific homicide of his own dear father, Oedipus runs directly into his terrible
destiny. Unknowingly, he murders his father and marries his mother. Again, unknowingly,
he seeks out the murderer of King Laius, his father, in order to rid the land of the
plague from the gods. Oedipus displays a genuine, deeply concerned attitude. Truly,
Oedipus cares for his new kingdom and its people. He meets directly with his subjects
and promises to kill the man who has caused the plague. Oedipus deeply cares about
others.

Lastly, not knowing that he himself is the
murderer, Oedipus searches the land for King Laius' killer. When learning that he
himself is the murderer of his own father, Oedipus tragically takes his own eyesight
through blinding himself. He cannot bear to look upon himself. Although his horrible
fate comes to pass, Oedipus had tried in every way to prevent it. Nonetheless, Oedipus
accepts total responsibility for the tragedy that occurs in his life. He doesn't blame
anyone but himself. Again, this is a great quality. He did all that he could do to
benefits others. The real tragedy is that so great a man had to suffer for crimes he
never meant to commit.

Overall, the reader has no ill will
toward Oedipus. The reader only has pity for such a horrible outcome in his life. After
reading the Oedipus tragedy, the reader views the character of Oedipus as a good man who
could not escape a terrible prophecy. Due to Oedipus' honest character, the reader never
questions the integrity if Oedipus. The reader is left with the impression of a great
man who greatly suffered despite his good intentions.