A tragic hero, according to Aristotelian definitions, is a "highly renowned and prosperous" character. This figure is not perfect and has to be on some level responsible for his or her downfall. The hero's punishment usually exceeds the crime. By the end of the play, this hero recognizes his or her own error or flaw and accepts the overwhelming retribution. Through this experience, he or she finally gains wisdom. According to Aristotle, tragedy has two special effects. First, the tragic hero should arouse the emotions of pity and/or terror. Secondly, the audience should have a sense of resolution at the end of the tragedy. These two results are achieved in the story of Antigone. Surprisingly, it is not Antigone who is the tragic protagonist of Antigone, but Creon, the ruler of Thebes. This fact is quite evident through Creon's belief in his own freedom, excessive pride, and his path from ignorance to knowledge.
             In Antigone, Creon's belief in his own freedom cause him to be arrogant and self-righteous. He believes that he will always make the right decision and feels that he can accept the outcomes of his choices. Creon thinks that he is the sole determiner of his fate. He doesn't believe that the gods have any impact on his life so he makes his decisions according to his beliefs. He doesn't listen to what other people say and he thinks that he is always right. He is determined to stay true to what he believes in and it causes him much pain and suffering.
             Creon's excessive pride brings about his tragic downfall. His pride and stubbornness blind him from the possibility that he could be wrong. Creon doesn't listen to Tiresias when he predicts disaster in the future. He doesn't listen to what Antigone has to say; he does not listen to his son, Haemon. Creon thinks that his decision is the right one and stands by it no matter what anyone says to him. To a certain degree, he feels superior to man and equal to the gods. He does not w
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