Antigone is a tragic hero who believes in her moral duty to the gods over her duty to the state and is willing to suffer the consequences in order to do what is morally right. Her sister Ismene, on the other hand, follows the laws of the state in attempt to stay out of any trouble that she might get herself into. The theme of individual verses state is exemplified in the Greek tragedy, Antigone, by Sophocles. Antigone and her sister Ismene have different opinions and beliefs as an individual that are shown through the actions they make towards the state. One sister is resistant and tough while the other sister is feminine, and appears to be softer. Antigone had very strong attitudes towards femininity and it would probably make her a successful woman in the 90s had she lived in our generation. Ismene seemed to play the role of a very dependent 1950s type woman. Antigone acts as a strong individual with a free spirit, while Ismene knows what she cannot do as a woman, and is happy with her limitations.
             Antigone learns about King Creon's decision to leave Polyneices, Antigone and Ismene's brother, lying dead in the public instead of giving him a proper burial. This clearly was injustice according to Antigone, and she immediately shares this news with her sister Ismene. Ismene's response to this information was, "I've heard no word"(229). This statement shows that Ismene feels helpless and passive to Creon's decision. Thus, right at the beginning, Ismene's character is shown to be a helpless woman who pays no attention to the political affairs. She is automatically viewed as the "feminine" role, that can't do anything about the situation. Ismene doubts that Antigone is capable of doing such an act to bury Polyneices, and argues, "We must remember that we two are women so not to fight with men. And that since we are subject to strong power, we must hear these orders or any ...