Who Is The Perfect Foil For Antigone

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In the play Antigone, by Sophocles, there are many characters with different and bold personalities that make up a fantastic Greek play. Ismene and Antigone are two of the main characters that have to make decisions under the rule of a merciful kings rule. Ismene is the perfect foil for Antigone because even though they are sisters, their personalities are different and they can be there own person while still supporting and helping each other through hard times.
With what one sister can’t contribute, they are so different that the other sister can. When Antigone and Ismene are faced with the decision of whether or not to bury their brother, Ismene isn't strong enough to disobey Creon. Because of this Antigone is forced to do it alone and Ismene is vowed to keep her secret. “Antigone: Will you help me? Will you do something with me? Will you? Ismene: Help you do what, Antigone? What do you mean? Antigone: Would you help me lift the body….you and me? Ismene: You cannot mean...to bury him? Against the order?”(507). In this moment Antigone is trying to get her sister to help her bury her brother. Since both of them are so different Ismene won’t because she is afraid of getting caught but Antigone is willing to face the consequences. …show more content…

When Antigone gets caught Creon thinks Ismene had something to do with it, so when asked, Ismene tries to convince him she helped her sister. But Antigone won't let her because she knows her fate. “Ismene: I did it-yes-if she will let me do so. I am as much to blame as she is. Antigone: No that is not just. You would not lend a hand. And I refused your help in what I did. Ismene: But I am not ashamed to stand beside you. Now in your hour of trial, Antigone”(520). Even though Ismene didn’t help Antigone, she loves and respects her so much to risk her own life by confessing to something she didn’t

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