The Tragic Hero
There has been some debate over which character in Sophocles', Antigone is the tragic hero of the tragedy. Two characters in general show most, if not all of the qualities of being a tragic hero. Both Antigone and Creon show some of the qualities of being a tragic hero. Antigone show four of the five qualities, but Creon shows all of the five qualities of being a tragic hero. That being said Creon is the tragic hero of Sophocles', Antigone. Creon has noble stature, which is one of the qualities of a tragic hero. Creon is the king of Thebes, which allows him to have complete dominance of those he rules. As king he has the ability of making laws which be followed and if not than a harsh punishment will come their way. "Anyone who acts against the order will be stoned to death, before the city" (Sophocles, prologue line 42-43). Creon uses his position to create a law that goes against the laws of gods, but his people follow it anyways because they are frightened of his power. " I want to tell you first about myself. I did not do it. And I didn't see the one who did. So it would be unjust if I should come to grief" (scene 1 lines 253-256). His own guards fear for their lives, fearing what he might do. Creon still blames his guard for the action, because he is very prideful.
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Creon hates the fact Antigone broke the laws and did not repent, making him think that she is above him. "She laughs at what she's done. Well, in that case,if she gets her way and goes unpunished, then she's the man here not me," (scene 2 line 545-546). He feels if she is not punished, Antigone would become the man and he the women. He would father lose his power before letting that happen. "If we must fall from power, let that come at some man's hand-at least, we won't be called inferior to any women," (scene 3 lines 771-773). He would rather fall from power than let a woman have her