In Sophocles’ play, Antigone, the dichotomy between power and weakness in Kreon’s character is crucial to the play’s meaning because it expresses his inner struggle, which ultimately leads to his downfall. Kreon decides to decree death on Antigone, his son’s fiance, which takes everything from him despite his trying to prevent that very thing. Because Kreon has a stubborn personality and allegiance to his power, he chooses not to go back on his word and reverse his mistake. His perspective on the importance of maintaining power clouded his judgment and made him believe that he was protecting his throne when, in reality, he was ensuring its demise. Ismene, Antigone’s sister, pleads with Kreon to reverse his wrongdoings and save his family and her own. …show more content…
Antigone too tries to sway Kreon and says, "These people here would say my actions pleases all of them, if fear did not lock up their tongues.” (504-505) He responds, “This view is yours alone of all these Kadmeans.” (508) Disregarding the emotions of Antigone and his people, he chooses to follow through with killing Antigone in hopes of upholding his regal position. Later, as Kreon reflects on what he has done and what his actions have caused, he realizes his understanding of power was wrong the whole time. His contradicting opinions on power throughout the play are integral to its storyline because it is the moral hidden