Characters (Leaving Cert Classical Studies): Revision Notes

Characters

Understanding the characters in Sophocles' Antigone is essential for grasping the central themes and conflicts of this powerful Greek tragedy. Each character represents different values and approaches to moral dilemmas, creating a complex web of relationships that drives the tragic action forwards.

Antigone - the defiant heroine

Antigone serves as the play's protagonist and is the daughter of the tragic king Oedipus and his wife Jocasta. Her character embodies the struggle between personal conscience and state authority, making her one of literature's most compelling tragic figures.

Antigone's defining moment comes when she chooses to defy King Creon's decree forbidding the burial of her brother Polyneices. She firmly believes that divine law takes precedence over human law, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to family loyalty and religious duty. Her character traits include:

• Remarkable courage
• Fierce determination
• Absolute loyalty to family
• Stubbornness
• An uncompromising nature

Creon - the authoritarian ruler

King Creon of Thebes stands as Antigone's uncle and primary antagonist. His character represents the dangers of absolute political power and the conflict between state law and moral law.

Creon's decision to forbid Polyneices' burial stems from his belief that civic order must be maintained above all else, including family ties and religious obligations. He displays traits of:

• Authoritativeness
• Pride (which the Greeks called hubris)
• Unwavering belief that loyalty to the state should supersede all other considerations

Ismene - the cautious sister

Ismene, Antigone's sister, provides a stark contrast to the protagonist's boldness. She represents those who choose safety and conformity over moral action, even when they recognise injustice.

Initially, Ismene refuses to help Antigone bury their brother, citing fear of defying Creon's authority. Her cautious and obedient nature reflects the typical response of citizens living under authoritarian rule. However, her character develops throughout the play – when she later offers to share Antigone's punishment, she demonstrates genuine loyalty and love for her sister.

Key quote: "We are only women, we cannot fight with men."

Haemon - the voice of reason

Haemon, son of Creon and engaged to Antigone, represents youthful idealism and the possibility of compromise. His character serves as one of the voices of reason in the play, attempting to bridge the gap between his father's authoritarianism and his beloved's defiance.

Haemon pleads with his father to show mercy towards Antigone, arguing cleverly that public opinion supports her actions. He represents reason, compromise, and youthful idealism – qualities that might have prevented the tragedy if Creon had listened. His attempts at diplomatic persuasion show maturity beyond his years and genuine love for both his father and fiancée.

The young man's ultimate suicide upon discovering Antigone's death demonstrates the destructive cost of Creon's stubbornness. His death serves as the catalyst for the final tragic events, showing how rigid authority destroys the very things it claims to protect.

Tiresias - the divine messenger

Tiresias appears as the blind prophet of Apollo, bringing divine wisdom and warning to the mortal world. His character represents the voice of the gods and serves as a final opportunity for Creon to avoid catastrophe.

The prophet warns Creon that the gods disapprove of his refusal to allow Polyneices' burial, representing divine authority and wisdom. Despite his physical blindness, Tiresias sees the spiritual truth that Creon, blinded by pride, cannot perceive. Initially, Creon insults and dismisses the prophet, but eventually recognises the truth of his warnings – unfortunately, this realisation comes too late.

Key quote: "You stand on the edge of fate."

Eurydice - the silent victim

Eurydice, Creon's wife, remains largely silent throughout the play until the devastating climax. Her character represents the innocent victims of political conflicts and authoritarian excess.

She appears briefly upon hearing news of her son Haemon's death, then exits without speaking. Her subsequent suicide serves as the final blow to Creon's pride and power. Through her death, she curses Creon, holding him responsible for destroying their family. Her silence followed by this ultimate act of despair symbolises the total collapse of Creon's household.

Key quote: "Your punishment is the death of your son."

The chorus - voices of wisdom

The Chorus, consisting of Elders of Thebes, serves multiple important functions throughout the play. They represent the city's voice and provide commentary on the unfolding events, often offering wisdom and moderation.

Initially, the Chorus supports Creon's authority, but they gradually shift their sympathy towards Antigone as they witness the tragic consequences of rigid rule. They comment on events, warn against hubris, and urge respect for the gods. Their evolution mirrors how reasonable people might respond to witnessing injustice and its consequences.

Character relationships and conflicts

The heart of Antigone lies in the central conflict between Antigone, who champions divine law and family loyalty, and Creon, who represents human law and civic authority. This fundamental disagreement creates the tragic tension that drives the entire play.

Comparing Antigone and Ismene reveals the contrast between defiance and obedience, boldness and caution. Both Haemon and Tiresias function as voices of reason that Creon tragically ignores until it's too late. The progression of deaths – Antigone, then Haemon, then Eurydice – shows how Creon's inflexibility destroys everything he claims to protect.