In Ancient Greece men expected women to be subservient and keep to themselves. The play Antigone displayed two types of females roles played in Ancient Greek society. Antigone acts as a free spirit, a defiant individual, while Ismene is content to recognize her own limitations and her inferiority of being a woman. Antigone first showed her defiant behavior when she spoke out to king Creon for not giving her brother Polyneices the proper burial he so deserved.
             Antigone learns that King Creon has refused to give a proper burial for the slain Polyneices, brother of Ismene and Antigone. Infuriated by this injustice, Antigone scolded King Creon and told him "I intend to give my brother burial. I'll be glad to die in the attempt." Thus, showing that Antigone, a courageous woman of her time, and does not stand down to a male dominated culture. On the other hand, Ismene, Antigone's sister, feels to inferior to take a stand to the men in this culture.
             Ismene claimed it was an outrageous thought to stand up to a man, "I'm simply powerless to act against this city's law." Her view of the inferiority to men came from the many laws restricting the lives of women. Women lived most of their lives in their homes. She had never dared to rise up against a male's commands.
             The play Antigone, A Greek tragedy, is one of the first dramatic plays that demonstrate the different roles women play in society. The two sisters Ismene and Antigone portray major female characteristics. While Antigone plays the role of a strong sensible woman, Ismene portrays the typical weak and mild role. The play proves that gender differences have always been present in society.
             ...