Antigone: characters

Antigone: Characters

Antigone

  • Antigone is the protagonist of the play. She is the daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta, and sister to Ismene, Eteocles, and Polynices.
  • Reflecting an unwavering sense of timeless morality, she challenges the authoritarian rule of Creon by burying her brother Polynices despite the prohibition.
  • Her character epitomises individual conscience against man-made laws, symbolising resistance and defiance.

Ismene

  • Ismene is Antigone’s sister, presenting a contrast of character.
  • She initially refuses to assist Antigone in burying Polynices due to her fear of Creon’s edict and the consequences.
  • Her character underscores a conformist approach towards authoritarian decisions, often revealing the fear of reprisal in a totalitarian rule.

Creon

  • Creon becomes the king of Thebes after the death of Oedipus. He issues the decree forbidding the burial of Polynices.
  • His character represents authoritarian rule and the rigid enforcement of state laws, often at the cost of humaneness.
  • His pride and stubbornness lead to tragic outcomes, as he loses his family and alienates his subjects.

Haemon

  • Haemon is Creon’s son and Antigone’s fiancé. His allegiance lies divided between his father and his beloved.
  • His dialogues question the absolutism of Creon’s rule and express the need for adaptability and empathy in governance.
  • His suicide indicates the tragic fallout of unyielding authoritarian decisions and the breaking points of personal loyalty.

The Chorus of Theban Elders

  • The Chorus is a group of unnamed Theban elders who observe and comment on the unfolding events.
  • They often represent the voice of reason or the general public opinion, providing a societal perspective on the individual actions of the characters.
  • Their refrain of Theban legends and the emphasis on destiny underlines the tragic elements and moral dilemmas in the play.

Understanding the characters and their motivations in Antigone not only helps to analyse their individual traits and responses but also provides insights into the societal, political, and moral dynamics of Sophoclean Thebes. The characters’ interplay further unravels the conflicts between personal conscience and state laws, between authority and compassion, and between adherence and resistance.