The True Hero in Antigone

Like all works of tragedy, Sophocle’s Antigone is written surrounding the life of a tragic hero. A “tragic hero” holds similar characteristics in all works of tragedy. It can be defined as a character who was born a noble birth, suffered a tragic flaw or hamartia, and over the course of time has had a tragic realization and come to understand his or her harmatia. It is clear by the title of this play that the audience is to believe that Antigone will represent the tragic hero. However, it can be greatly debated that Creon, king of Thebes, is the true protagonist and tragic hero for Sophocle’s play.

Superficially, Antigone can be seen as the tragic hero of this play. She definitely fits the characteristics of a noble woman, being that she was the daughter of the late king Oedipus. Her tragic flaw could be viewed that she does not fit into her role in society. Within the first few pages of the play her sister lets the audience know the true role of women in that time period. Ismene cautiously points out that Antigone is not acting among her appropriate status in society as a second class citizen to the male race. She more directly says, “You ought to realize

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we are only women, not meant in nature to fight against men, and that we are ruled, by those who are stronger… (71-73)” Antigone can be viewed as a strong character, although her unwillingness to listen to reason may be the audience’s initial belief that this is her tragic flaw. She doesn’t just talk about giving her brother a proper burial, but carries out the deed and is willing to take the full consequences for her actions, even though she knows she will die for it.

Creon possesses a tragic flaw

As an alternative view against Antigone, Creon definitely fits the role of a true tragic hero in the play. Antigone holds strong to the end and takes her own life even though she is unaware that Creon is about to spare her.

Even later in the play when she is confessing her actions to Creon, she openly admits that his requests for the nonexistent burial of her brother did not affect her decision. Not only did she make the mistake of challenging the king, but as a woman, she was overstepping her boundaries. Showing her courageousness and ability to stick to what she believes in. She practically begs to die so that the kingdom can know how strong she was for the issues that she supported. He is able to live up to Aristotle’s qualifications as a true hero who is neither purely innocent or completely evil. When discussing her plans with Ismene, she confidently proclaims, “No suffering of mine will be enough to make me die ignobly” (113-114). Death to her is not a tragedy because she welcomes it and is completely aware of its existence.

Under the surface of the play, and despite the title, Antigone does not make the best tragic hero in the play.

Antigone also never sees the true results of her reactions. She is dead before she can realize her epiphany, and the extent at which her actions have led her to.

Approximate Word count = 791
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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Essay's Topics

Superficially Antigone