In Sophocle's compelling drama Antigone, there are many situations in which opposing characters' desires come into conflict. This happens between Antigone and Ismene, Creon and Haemon and between Creon and Teiresias. The drama revolves around Creon's, the King, order not to bury Polynices body, the brother of Antigone and Ismene, and the consequences his decree brings upon others and himself. The conflict in Antigone is created by the use of the chorus and the speech between characters, the dialogue. Likewise, the audience is presented an insight into the characters motives through the use of the chorus, dialogue and also through the use of dramatic irony.
Antigone opens with two sisters, Antigone and Ismene, opposing each other about Polynices, their deceased brother, and his burial. In this conflict, the audience learns about the two sisters characters and their motives. The audience learns that Antigone is very proud, which in the end leads to her death, but also sees that she is wilful, reckless, courageous and heroic. The audience also sees that she values her family and the law of the Gods above her own life and is willing to die for her beliefs and values.
Antigone: ... I will bury my brother;
And if I die for it, what happiness!
...We have only a little time to please the living
But all eternity to please the dead ...
Live and defy the holiest laws of heaven (lines 66-73)
This contrasts greatly to Ismene's point of view, and whilst she would like to bury Polynices, she does not believe it is a woman's role to go against the state and therefore accepts the authority of Creon.
Ismene: ... We are women; it is not for us
To fight against men; our rulers are stronger than we
And we must obey in this. (Lines 59-61)
Whilst they are sisters, the values they place the most importance on, are opposite. To Creon, Antigone states,
Antigone: I did not think your edicts strong en...