In order to understand the nature of your question about Sophocles's Oedipus Rex, let us first look at the definition of a foil: a "character that contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to emphasize the other character's traits" (berkeley.edu). In this case, Creon, the foil, contrasts with Oedipus, the protagonist, to emphasize the latter's character traits. The most striking example of this is the way each character reacts to negative accusations.
In the play, Oedipus is the King of Thebes. He is shown to be reckless and bold with his actions and words. When news comes from the oracle about the cause and potential cure of the Theban plague, Creon asks if he would like to hear the news in private. Oedipus, wanting to show his people that he is a prideful and valiant ruler, tells him to "[s]peak forth to all." He publicly vows to find Laius's murderer in order to end his people's suffering. At this point in the play, he seems honorable: he is quick to action when his people are counting on him.
However, his rashness soon becomes a negative trait when he consults Teiresias. Initially, he praises the blind prophet:
Even if you are blind, you know what plague / Clings to the state, and, master, you alone / We find as her protector and her saviour.
When Teiresias initially faults at giving him the information he seeks before telling him that he is the cause of the plague, Oedipus quickly changes his tune, insulting the prophet and mocking his blindness. As you can see, his hastiness has gone from being a desirable trait to a reckless one. He does not respond well to being accused of wrongdoing.
Creon, on the other hand, is very prudent and logical in both his actions and his words. Where Oedipus acts rashly, he appears to think things through first. The first example of this can be seen in his second line in the play:
If you wish to hear in front of this crowd / I am ready to speak, or we can go within.
Instead of blurting out the news, he gives Oedipus the option to retire to a more secluded area first. This may seem like a small detail, but it is mirrored exponentially when he is accused by the King of being a traitor:
CREON: And was the idea voiced that my advicePersuaded the prophet to give false accounts?[. . .]Was this accusation laid against meFrom straightforward eyes and straightforward mind?[. . .]I agree with you. What you have said is just.Tell me what you say you have suffered from me.
As can be seen in these lines, Creon reacts to accusations in a much calmer, logical manner than does Oedipus. The latter, when told that he is the cause of the Theban plague, is quick to turn to insults and threats. Creon, when branded a traitor by the King, does not respond rashly, opting instead to debate his innocence. It is important to keep these qualities in mind when looking for further examples of how Creon is a foil to Oedipus.
https://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~daradib/chsntech/review/english/lit/review-terms.pdf
While Oedipus is rash, Creon is measured. Oedipus angers easily when Teiresias, the blind prophet, will not answer his questions as he investigates who killed Laius. He jumps to the conclusion that Teiresias has been working with his brother-in-law (and uncle), Creon, in order to secure the crown for Creon himself. When Oedipus confronts Creon with his suspicions, Creon presents a very calm and reasonable argument as to why he wouldn't want to be king in the first place. In his current position, brother to the queen and brother-in-law to the king, he enjoys lots of power and authority, but he doesn't have to bear the responsibilities of being king. He enjoys the privileges without having to make unpopular decisions or feel responsible for the welfare of the entire kingdom. Oedipus yells and storms, while Creon speaks rationally and coolly. In this way, Creon can be seen as even-tempered and cool making Oedipus appear all the more hot-headed and rash.
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