Seven against Thebes takes place as an army besieges the city of Thebes. King Eteocles, son of the cursed Oedipus, must organise the defence of the seven gates while the frightened women of the city cry out in the chorus. A messenger describes the enemy champions at each gate, and Eteocles assigns a defender to each. Beneath the military drama lies the shadow of a family curse. The play considers duty to the city, fate and the burden of inherited guilt.