Creon Character Analysis

Creon the Tragic Hero

In Antigone, Creon conveys a portrait of a tragic hero. His characteristics lead to his downfall, and his reality displays the humanity of people. He is the image of a tragic hero in Antigone because he portrays the traits of ruthlessness, irritability, and loyalty. Creon was so stubborn that he did not listen to anyone, and this eventually caused his tragedy. His irritability made him make unwise and unjust choices, and for Creon, it created heat-of-the-moment actions. Finally, he does not really have loyalty to his family, but closer to the end of Antigone, he cares more about his family. All these traits combined eventually led to his downfall and Creon wanted to be punished; he wanted to die because he couldn’t live

He tried to get his father to change his mind, but Creon spoke of the most unkind and harsh things, “Oh Haemon, never lose your sense of judgment over a woman. The warmth, the rush of pleasure, it all goes in your arms, I warn you... a worthless woman in your house, a misery in your bed. What wounds cut deeper than a loved one turned against you? Spit her out, like a mortal enemy let the girl go. Let her find a husband among the dead. Imagine it. I caught her in naked rebellion, the traitor, the only one in the whole city. I'm not about to prove myself a liar, not to my people, no, I'm going to kill her!” (723-734) In the midst of this, Creon was hurting Haemon and the relationship with his son. Even though this had happened, Creon did not seem to care, because he cared more about his figure in the public eye, and his people, than his own family. He then went on and talked to a seer named Tiresias, and it was noticed that Creon was even irritated by Tiresias for speaking his mind. ‘'Just as much, I'd say, as a twisted mind is the worst affliction known.’ ‘You are the one who's sick, Creon, sick to death.’ ‘I am in no mood to trade insults with a seer.’ ‘ You have already, calling my prophecies a lie.’ ‘Why not? You and the whole breed of seers are mad for money!’ ‘And the whole race of tyrants lust for filthy gain.’ ‘This slander of yours - are you aware you're speaking to the king?’ ‘Well aware. Who helped you save your city?’ ‘You - you have your skills, old seer, but you lust for injustice!’ ‘You will drive me to utter the dreadful secret in my heart.’ ‘Spit it out! Just don't speak it out for profit’ ‘Profit? No, not a bit of profit, not for you.’ ‘Know full well, you'll never buy off my resolve.’” (1166-1180) This is a glimpse of how it is noticeable that Creon was agitated very quickly in a matter of a few sentences. This conversation was spoken between Creon and Tiresias.