In the time of the ancient Greeks there were Greek tragedies, which was the most popularly drama performed in theaters across Greece. Every Greek tragedy requires a “Tragic Hero.” For example, in Sophocles’ Greek tragedy “Antigone” the protagonist Antigone is seen as the tragic hero because of the traits she has shown through hubris, hamartia, and her unfortunate nemesis. As you can see, this hero is called a tragic hero because of the flaws that they portray. These flaws are usually the cause of the hero’s downfall.
As previously stated Antigone is known for her many traits as a tragic hero, her first trait is hubris. “Creon is not strong enough to stand in my way.” (Prologue 2. 36) As Antigone continues with her plan to bury her brother Polynices, her exhibition of excessive pride is blinding her to the potential threat that Creon poses. Little did Antigone that her arrogance and stubbornness would soon lead to her demise.
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“But I will bury him, and if I must die, I say that this crime is holy: I shall lie down with him in death, and I shall be as dear to him as he to me.” (Prologue 2. 57-60) Antigone’s willingness to die for her cause enables one to believe that her actions show strength and courage. However, her prideful spirit still prevents her from listening to her sister Ismene’s voice of reason. Antigone does not fully see the extent of her actions and who they could affect. Putting most of Antigone’s traits into account as a tragic hero, there is still one trait not accounted for, this is the most unfortunate of all three