Antigone Character Traits

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Character Analysis: Antigone

A desire to earn justice for what is right, to gain a personal sense of pride, and to honor one’s family are all inevitable traits of human nature. Sophocles’ Antigone is such an interesting character because she demonstrates all of these qualities in an attempt to honor the burial rights of her brother, Polynices. Written in 441 BC, Antigone was controversial for its time because the protagonist is a woman who challenges the ideas and power of men. From the beginning of this play, Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus, is seen as a strong-willed woman who won’t take no for an answer in spite of the laws governing the city of Thebes. She will do all that she can to make sure Polynice’s body is properly laid to rest, …show more content…

She is a tragic hero, meaning that she has good intentions of bringing about change, but an error in her judgment ultimately led to her own destruction – or in this case, her death. Antigone believes that the laws of the gods are superior to man’s laws even if the two contradict one another, and testifies this point with Creon, the king, as she is being sentenced to death for burying her brother. Antigone argues, “Nor did I think your edict had such force that you, a mere mortal, could override the gods, the great unwritten, unshakable traditions…. they live forever” (line 503-506). Here she is claiming that the laws of the gods state that Polynice’s body should be buried, and she complied because the god’s laws are the only laws that should govern one’s life. Creon, however, does not buy this philosophy and stands firm in his belief that Antigone should be executed. Not only does Antigone address feminist ideas by challenging man’s law, she also brings up the issue of separation of church and state that is still applicable in today’s society. She questions the legitimateness of mortal laws and especially Creon’s power as king. As a result, stubborn Antigone refuses to stop her quest for justice and honor for her family, and she insists on dying a glorious death in the name of Polynices and the

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    Creon has declared that anyone who goes against him and buries Polyneices, will be killed. Antigone knows that it is her moral duty to give her brother a proper burial, despite what Creon believes. Disregarding Creon’s threats, Antigone holds her duty to the gods and to her family higher than her duty to Creon. The strong willed and determined Antigone decides to grant her brother a proper burial, in spite of Ismene’s cautious advice and Creon’s threats. As reported by the sentry, “ She was not afraid, not even when we charged her with what she had done. She denied nothing…To escape from death.” Antigone’s actions show the satisfaction she feels by fulfilling her moral duty. She declares, “This death of mind is of no importance; but if I had left my bother lying in death unburied, I should have suffered. Now I do not.” Antigone’s disregard for laws made by man and Creon, gave her peace of mind because she regards her moral duty and divine law above anything

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