A Losing Role

In Sophocles’ drama “Antigone” the protagonist can be easily mistaken. Many readers might think Antigone is the protagonist of the drama, but others may argue that Creon may be the leading character and protagonist. Both obviously have the traits of a hero or heroin. Many different aspects throughout the drama can easily persuade the reader one way or another.

Antigone is a young woman in a male society who tries to break the law set by Creon, the king of Thebes, by providing a proper burial for her dead brother. Her attitude towards the laws set and her rebellion against them is what causes Antigone to face death. The decisions she makes throughout Sophocles’ drama can easily show that she is the protagonist. The reader may also assume Antigone is the protagonist merely by reading the title of the drama. When she chooses not to accept the new law set forth by th

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Creon on the other hand can also be viewed as the protagonist in “Antigone” through the eyes of the reader. Her stubbornness is what kills Antigone by the end of the drama, and also makes her the protagonist. It can not be discerned which one carries the more important role, because both are so vital to the plot. By the end of “Antigone” Creon says, “the guilt is all mine / can never be fixed on another man,” (1441-1442) which shows the beginning of acceptance to his own mistakes.

As the reader can see, Antigone may be viewed as the protagonist in Sophocles’ drama, but Creon may also be easily argued as the protagonist as well. When Antigone is asked if she buried her brother, breaking the law, she states, “I did it. Creon, like Antigone, is reluctant to accept his mistakes and soon suffers a punishment in his own kind by the end of the drama. Together, the characters of Creon and Antigone carry the drama, and share in the spotlight of the main character.

Nor did that Justice, dwelling with the gods

Beneath the earth, ordain such laws for men. Creon’s stubbornness and refusal to accept his son’s advice later determines his fate. e king, Antigone is choosing to face death. This statement shows her owning up to her actions and choosing the fate she must face.

Nor did I think your edict had such force

That you, a mere mortal, could override the gods,

The great unwritten, unshakable traditions.

Approximate Word count = 585
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

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