Expert answers. Hubris can be summarized as excessive pride, self-confidence, vanity - essentially, a lack of moderation in one's character and actions. Oedipus is the most important character. See our A-level sample essay on In Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, pride is the essential cause of Oedipus' downfall because it is the reason why Oedipus killed King Laius, other playwrights now on Marked By Teachers. Oedipus' pride prevents Oedipus from discovering the truth about his family and their sins sooner by creating a,