Further study
In Antigone, each character plays a critical role in unfolding the tragic events and exploring key themes such as loyalty, power, and moral conflict. Sophocles crafts complex personalities who are driven by their values, duties, and relationships with each other.
This character analysis will examine the outward appearance, behavior, and interpersonal dynamics of key figures like Antigone, Creon, and Ismene, providing a deeper understanding of how their actions shape the story. From Antigone's unyielding defiance to Creon's destructive pride, each character's journey reveals the powerful consequences of human choices and divine will.
Antigone
Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta, stands out as a defiant and morally-driven figure in the play. Outwardly, she is not described in great detail in terms of appearance, but her behavior and actions portray her as a courageous and determined young woman. Antigone's physical appearance takes a back seat to her bold actions, especially when she challenges Creon's decree by burying her brother Polyneices against the king's orders. Her refusal to conform to societal norms - where women are expected to be obedient - shows a character willing to face death for what she believes is right.
Antigone's personality is dominated by her sense of duty to her family and the gods. Her fierce loyalty to the divine laws and her deceased brother Polyneices drives her to risk everything. She believes that the gods' unwritten laws are more important than the laws of men, which sets her apart from her more pragmatic sister, Ismene. Antigone's stubbornness, while admirable, also contributes to her tragic fate. She refuses to compromise or plead for her life, even when given the chance. This unyielding nature is central to her character, and while it leads to her death, it also secures her legacy as a martyr of divine justice.
Antigone's relationship with Ismene is complicated. Although they are sisters, Antigone criticizes Ismene for her fear and reluctance to act. Antigone believes Ismene's caution is weakness, and this rift highlights the difference in their personalities. Antigone's relationship with Creon is openly antagonistic. She views him as a tyrant who puts man-made laws above those of the gods. Her defiance of Creon is not just a personal rebellion but a clash of ideals. Ultimately, Antigone's actions and relationships showcase her as a symbol of moral strength, even though her defiance leads to her downfall.
Creon
Creon, the new king of Thebes and Antigone's uncle, embodies the characteristics of a stern ruler who values law and order above all else. Outwardly, Creon is depicted as a powerful, commanding figure, focused on restoring stability to Thebes after the civil war between Eteocles and Polyneices. His public demeanor is one of authority, and he is determined to show that no one, not even family, can defy the law without facing consequences. Creon's decision to leave Polyneices unburied reflects his belief in loyalty to the state, and anyone who goes against the state is a traitor in his eyes.
Creon's personality is characterized by pride and stubbornness. His sense of duty to the state overrides any personal emotions, which makes him inflexible and blind to the consequences of his actions. He refuses to listen to the advice of others, including his son Haemon and the prophet Tiresias, which ultimately leads to his tragic downfall. Creon's pride, or hubris, is his tragic flaw. He believes that as king, his laws must be absolute, even if they conflict with divine law. However, his refusal to change or show mercy results in the destruction of his family.
Creon's relationships with the other characters are strained by his rigid adherence to his laws. His relationship with Antigone is adversarial, as she openly defies him, challenging both his authority and his worldview. His relationship with Haemon is also severely damaged. While Haemon initially respects his father, Creon's unwillingness to compromise drives a wedge between them, leading to Haemon's eventual suicide. Creon's relationship with Tiresias is marked by a refusal to heed the prophet's warnings, which seals his fate. In the end, Creon is left isolated and broken, having lost everything because of his inability to balance justice with mercy.
Ismene
Ismene is Antigone's sister and serves as a foil to her bold and defiant sibling. Outwardly, Ismene is portrayed as a more conventional figure, one who is reluctant to challenge authority or step outside the traditional role of women in society. She is described as cautious and practical, preferring to avoid conflict and obey the king's law, even if it means leaving her brother Polyneices unburied. Ismene's physical appearance is not given much detail, but her behavior suggests a quieter, more reserved personality compared to Antigone's fiery spirit.
Ismene's personality is marked by her fear of defying authority and her desire for self-preservation. She is deeply loyal to her family but believes that they, as women, are powerless against the king. Ismene's cautious nature is often seen as weakness, especially by Antigone, who scolds her for not standing up for what is right. However, Ismene's reluctance to act does not mean she lacks love for her family. In fact, her offer to share Antigone's punishment, even though she did not help bury Polyneices, shows her deep sense of familial loyalty.
Ismene's relationship with Antigone is central to her character. Although the two sisters love each other, they represent different approaches to the conflict. Antigone's willingness to defy Creon contrasts sharply with Ismene's reluctance, creating tension between them. Despite their differences, Ismene ultimately tries to support her sister, even though Antigone rejects her offer of solidarity. Ismene's relationship with Creon is less direct, but she is clearly afraid of the king's power, further emphasizing the divide between her and Antigone.
Haemon
Haemon, the son of Creon and fiancé of Antigone, is a complex character torn between his love for Antigone and his loyalty to his father. Outwardly, Haemon is depicted as respectful and dutiful, initially siding with Creon when the king sentences Antigone to death. However, as the play progresses, Haemon's behavior changes. He becomes increasingly frustrated with his father's stubbornness and tries to reason with him, showing a more passionate and emotional side as he fights to save Antigone.
Haemon's personality is more balanced than Creon's or Antigone's. He values justice and fairness, and he believes that good leadership involves listening to others. Haemon tries to mediate between his father and Antigone, hoping to prevent the tragedy that he sees unfolding. His love for Antigone is genuine, and when he realizes that his father will not change his mind, Haemon becomes desperate. His frustration with Creon turns into rage, and after discovering Antigone's death, he takes his own life in despair.
Haemon's relationship with Creon is complex. While he respects his father, Haemon cannot accept Creon's refusal to show mercy. The conflict between father and son escalates as Haemon tries to defend Antigone's actions, which puts him at odds with Creon's rigid sense of justice. Haemon's relationship with Antigone is tragic. He deeply loves her, but their engagement is overshadowed by the political and moral conflict between Antigone and Creon. Haemon's suicide is the ultimate act of defiance against his father and a testament to his love for Antigone.
Tiresias
Tiresias, the blind prophet of Thebes, is a key figure in the play who delivers warnings to Creon about the consequences of his actions. Outwardly, Tiresias is presented as an old and physically blind man, but his blindness is contrasted by his insight into the will of the gods. He represents divine wisdom and is respected by the people of Thebes, even though Creon initially refuses to listen to him. Tiresias' behavior is calm and measured as he delivers his prophecy, warning Creon of the doom that awaits him if he does not change course.
Tiresias' personality is characterized by patience and authority. He speaks with confidence, knowing that the gods' will cannot be ignored, even by a king. Tiresias is not swayed by Creon's initial disbelief and stands firm in his warnings. His role in the play is to serve as the voice of divine judgment, representing the gods' displeasure with Creon's actions. Despite his blindness, Tiresias “sees” more clearly than anyone else in the play, and his prophecy is central to the unfolding tragedy.
Tiresias' relationship with Creon is one of respect mixed with tension. Creon initially respects Tiresias, but his pride leads him to dismiss the prophet's warnings, accusing him of being corrupt or influenced by bribes. This clash between the prophet and the king highlights Creon's hubris, as he believes his authority can override the will of the gods. Tiresias' warning, though ignored at first, ultimately proves to be true, and Creon's realization of this comes too late.
Eurydice
Eurydice, the wife of Creon, plays a minor yet significant role in Antigone. Outwardly, she is presented as a quiet and dignified woman who remains mostly in the background until the devastating climax of the play. Eurydice's physical appearance is not given much description, but her behavior suggests that she is composed and carries herself with grace, even in moments of great personal tragedy. She is largely absent throughout the main events of the play, but her final actions reveal the depth of her emotions.
Eurydice's personality is calm and reserved, but beneath the surface, she carries the weight of her family's suffering. Her composure is shattered when she learns about the death of her son, Haemon. In this moment, Eurydice’s grief overwhelms her, and her silence throughout the play transforms into a final act of despair. She blames Creon for Haemon's death, believing that his stubbornness and pride have destroyed their family. Eurydice's decision to take her own life shows that her grief and anger are too much for her to bear, and she leaves Creon to face the consequences of his actions alone.
Eurydice's relationship with Creon is central to her character. Though she does not openly challenge him during the play, her suicide is a direct condemnation of his choices. In her final moments, she expresses her bitterness and sorrow, cursing Creon for the tragedy that has unfolded. Her relationship with Haemon, though not explicitly detailed, is clearly one of deep love, as his death prompts her to end her own life. Eurydice’s death marks the final blow in Creon's downfall, leaving him completely alone and devastated by the loss of his family.
Further study
Leave a Reply