Creon In Sophocles Antigone

In the Greek tragedy, Antigone, Sophocles portrays Creon as a just leader. The first meeting with Creon is when he makes his declaration. He gathers the council of elders and announces his decree. At the beginning of his speech, he gives out a statement of principles; through which he reveals part of his character. In his speech, he presents himself as the man in authority, and he demands absolute obedience. He preaches order and discipline to all. Creon speaks, mainly of his office, but, he thinks of himself. His demands prove an attitude belonging to those of a tyrant. But he is not the stereotype of a tyrant. Creon is a recognizable human being, stone-hearted, with commonplace mind and narrow sympathies. By the end, Creon’s excessive pride comes out which leads to his demise. The causes of conflict advance the plot which develops Creon as a tragic hero by using Haemon as a foil character.

Creon’s pride comes out, which leads to his demise. He was calm compared to how Creon overreacted. In Creon’s rage, he calls Haemon a (854-859) In reality, this was Haemon insinuating that he would kill himself. Excessive pride develops his stubbornness and ignorance. These attributes cause Creon to interpret Haemon’s threat the wrong way. Haemon is a reposeful and rational thinker who tries to talk Creon out of his extreme actions. He represents rationality along with emphasizing the need to consider the opinions and wishes of all citizens. Haemon is the voice of democracy, representing an alternative view to