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Characteristics Of Creon In Antigone

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A Tragic Hero

Controversy is seen in the play “Antigone” a tragedy story written by Sophocles, where people may be ambivalent to who the real tragic hero is. A tragic hero possess several characteristics that can be seen such as; having a high status position, having imperfections and having a downfall.(Anaphora) Creon fits into all of these characteristics qualifying him as the tragic hero. Having a high social status is one of the three characteristics that enable Creon to be the tragic hero.
In the opening of the play we see Creon’s position in society. Creon quickly replaces the king and comes into a position of power. “Unfortunately, the princes Eteocles and Polyneices have killed each other…I as the next in blood, have succeeded …show more content…

Creon can ascribe his stubbornness to the unwillingness to be wrong; Haimon can ascribe his stubbornness to the power Creon was given resulting in the developing of his ego. (Balanced) His ego impaired his ability to listen to anyone's advice. He explains that his “voice is the one voice giving orders in this city.”(Line 48) Creon fears that his pride will be ruined if he suddenly changes his decision. His son, Haimon, also reiterates the fact that Creon should put his ego aside by saying, “ In flood time time you can see how some trees bend, And because they bend, even their twigs are safe, While stubborn trees are torn up, roots and all.”(Line 80) Haimon’s analogies to trees clarifies that Creon should be more flexible and less stubborn. Creon himself shares his perspective saying, “Oh, it is hard to give in, but it is worse to risk everything for stubborn pride.” ( Line 92) The life of Antigone was obviously not as as important as his pride. This reveals how pride impacted Creon’s mentality and decisions making him a tragic hero. The downfall of the tragic hero is the most meaningful essence as it is the most crucial part of the

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