Creon Characteristics

Creon; King of Thebes and brother of Jocasta who is given the throne after the death of the two brothers, Polynices and Eteocles, who died in a war against each other. Creon is a character from the Tragic play “Antigone” which was written by playwright Sophocles. Though it may seem that Creon is the antagonist of the play, he would be considered the tragic hero because he displays many of the characteristics of one. Creon is a stubborn character who is disrespectful towards the natural order of things and is prideful; two traits that are also embodied in a tragic hero. In the story, Creon ordered that no one shall bury the body of Polynices because he has committed an act of treachery against the state. When Antigone disobeyed, was brought to Creon, and was sentenced to die because of what she had done, many come to persuade Creon into pardoning Antigone one of which was the blind prophet, Tiresias. He tried to explain to Creon that if he does not listen to him the gods will be angry at him and will send down a punishment. Despite this warning, Creon stood by his command and instead insulted Tiresias saying in line 834 and 836, “You forgot yourself! You are speaking to your king. ” “You have a certain skill; but you are sold out”. Also in line 596, during a conversation with his son, Haemon, he says, “My voice is the only voice

Though it may seem that Creon is the antagonist of the play, he would be considered the tragic hero because he displays many of the characteristics of one. In the play, Creon is a character full of pride who shows disrespect toward the natural order of things, has a moment where he realizes his mistake, and has a downfall at the end of the story. Sophocles’ play “Antigone” not only presents an interesting story about the children of Oedipus but also presents a series of events that lead to a dramatic change in Creon’s