Oedipa Maas is the protagonist of Thomas Pynchon's novel, "The Crying of Lot 49." She is a young woman living in California who becomes embroiled in a complex conspiracy after being named the executor of her ex-boyfriend's estate. As she investigates, Oedipa encounters a mysterious postal system called Tristero, which symbolizes communication and the search for meaning. Throughout her journey, Oedipa grapples with themes of paranoia, reality, and the nature of existence. Her quest leads her to question the reliability of information and the connections between people, ultimately reflecting the chaotic nature of modern life.