In the Greek drama Antigone there are many underlying conflicts between the two main characters, Antigone and Creon. The central conflict of the play is between ethical and political decision-making. Antigone stands for ethical choices, while Creon represents political decisions. Antigone compels the central conclusion of the play, which is one reason she is the true tragic hero.
             In the play Antigone represents the ethical law. Antigone stands for older traditions and believes she owes her duty to her family. In the beginning of the play, her devotion to her brother is shown. She is worried about her brother being accepted into the heavens. She knows without the proper burial he will not be. Risking her life she buries him, not once, but twice. Her loyalty to her family is far superior to her loyalty to the state.
             Antigone does not think through her actions thoroughly, and acts instinctively. When Antigone learns that her brother, Polyneices will not be allowed an honorable burial she asks her sister, Ismene to join her in burying him. Ismene, knowing the consequences refuses and attempts to talk Antigone out of it. She advises Antigone not to be foolish, to leave the body alone. Antigone continues without the help of her sister, and buries her deceased brother.
             She appeals to the gods and goddesses of nature. Antigone is presented before the king Creon as the perpetrator who has buried her brother. Creon is shocked to find that it is his own niece going against his order to leave the body to rot. He questions her if she is aware that the punishment for her actions is death. Antigone acknowledges Creon's penalty, but believes that God's law is above Creon and what she did was right. Creon asks if Antigone would like to apologize for her betrayal to the king, and she refuses any apology for her actions. Creon's law is only the law for the state, and, to her, the God's laws take precedence.
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