The Complex Character Of Creon In Sophocles Antigone

Sophocles wrote many characters, each with complex personalities. But none a character quite like the personality of Creon from the play, Antigone. Creon is a complex character, but from the writing of Sophocles, we can reveal his true nature.

Ironic and corrosive behavior is noted in Creon when he gives the quote, “You dazzle me” (Scene 2, Line 182). This is verbal irony because as an audience we know that Creon does not, in fact, feel that the Choragus’ outburst about Antigone’s death is ‘dazzling.’ but because of this we must wonder, what does he mean? We can find out from the writing of Sophocles. This small line gives a foreshadowing of Creon’s true nature. Creon does not act kingly, he is rude and arrogant. Why would a king need to be

so spiteful to a simple question? Sophocles wrote this so we can see a glimpse of Creon’s true self, even if only for an instant.
Creon also shows vindictive and obstinate behavior when he gave the quote, “Polyneices is to have no burial” (Scene 1, Line 43). This is dramatic irony because we the audience knows that Polyneices will, in fact, be buried. Sophocles wrote this to show that Creon was serious about his angry feelings towards Polyneices. Another reason that Sophocles wrote this would most likely be because he was introducing the main conflict. The entire plot of Antigone is that she is trying to bury her brother, so Creon’s line would most likely be an introduction to the play’s plot.
Creon is a complex character, but we have found some core personality traits in few words. Before he repented, he was very spiteful, disdainful, vindictive, etc. In short he was not a very kingly person, but more of a vengeful child.