Oedipus Rex was written in a style of classical Greek tragedy. This style is characterized by its focus on the hero's suffering and his downfall due to a tragic flaw or hamartia. The plot usually follows a pattern of rising action, climax, and then falling action. In Oedipus Rex, this is seen through Oedipus' rise to power as King of Thebes, his discovery of the truth about himself and his tragic fate, and then his eventual downfall as he is exiled from Thebes. This style also features elements such as a chorus that comments on the events unfolding in the play. In Oedipus Rex, this is seen through the Chorus' commentary on Oedipus' actions throughout the play.