Creon and Antigone as Tragic Heroes

Antigonй and Creon: Tragedy

Creon and Antigonй are the main characters in the Greek tragedy “Antigonй” by Sophocles. Antigonй is a woman who is mentally strong, proud, and stubborn. She had three siblings, a sister, Ismene, and two brothers, Eteocles and Polyneices. Her brothers killed each other in a vicious sword fight over who would become King of Thebes. Antigonй's loyalty to her brother is shown when she insists on a proper burial for Polyneices but her request is denied by her uncle and King Creon. The two strongly disagree which brings about the collapse of the royal family.

Aristotle's view on a tragic hero is someone that would have to be held in high standards, namely royalty, in order to suggest compassion and anxiety in the audience. Creon and Antigonй are royalty and share the most important aspect of a tragic hero, each have a flaw. Neither of the characters has the capacity to compromise nor come to an agreement. Antigonй's tragic flaw was demonstrated by her inability to prepare thoroughly for her brother’s burial. Furthermore, when confronted by Creon, she acted disrespectful towards him. She told him to be silent because his words were "distasteful" to her therefore sealing her death. Antigonй then became Creon’s scapegoat for all wrong doings.

Creon, in his terror, was overwhelmed with the feeling of incompetence and the need to establish authority. His verdict that no one would bury Polyneices only motivated the people of Thebes into thinking of him as insensitive to the way they live. The people disobeying his rule only led him to believe that conspiracy was all around and family or not, he would punish Antigonй. He then created a chain reaction of events causing the loss of his entire family, except Ismene.

Neither Creon nor Antigonй was all good or all bad. Creon, acting as a dictator, only wanted Thebes