Being brave is tough. It takes a lot of courage and strength to do something that people would notice, to be an individual. Sophocles develops a character in his play "Antigone" that is the definition of brave and courageous. Her name is Antigone. She is an individ

"...she is a traitor and must die, or else I'd be a traitor too, and I will not break my promise to the state. I suppose she'll claim that as my niece she should not be put to death, but if I exempt my family from the law, why should anyone else be subject to it? It's important to people to know that their leader's house is in order, because if it's not, how can he be expected to keep their house in order?" (479-448).

No matter who tries to contradict Creon, whether it is the townspeople or Tiresias, a soothsayer, he just won't listen because he is too stubborn and proud to change his laws. In the end, however, it is Creon's pride that causes the death of his son and of his niece, Antigone. Being proud about something is good, but having too much pride to listen to family, friends, and common sense is destructive.

Creon obviously has a strong sense of duty to his country. He is committed to being fair among his people, which is a good trait for a leader to have. He knows and respects the fact that some people will not agree with his decisions or his rule, but he remains strong and continues to enforce his laws. Because Creon has a strong will, however, does not mean that he does not show humiliation. Towards the end of the play, after learning that he will push his son and niece to their deaths, Creon recoils himself and steps back from his leadership role. At the time when he needs to become passionate and morally responsible, he is able to do that. "It's hard to swallow my pride, but I will. Only an idiot tries to fight with fate....I buried her, I will set her free myself" (838-839, 843-844). Creon's character displays the typical leadership qualities that any principal needs to have to be considered a good leader.

ual because she stands up for what she believes is right, even though it may go against the laws created by man. Antigone's uncle, Creon, has declared that Polynices, Antigone's dead brother, may not be buried or mourned due to the fact that he fought against his home civilization. And anyone that defies this law will be punished by death. Antigone, however, firmly believes that her brother deserves the proper burial and ceremony that any soldier would receive. " He's my brother. Yours too, in case you have forgotten. Nobody is going to be able to say I betrayed my own brother" (36). Despite the consequence of death, Antigone follows through with her beliefs and gives her brother the proper ceremony for a dead soldier. By carrying through with her beliefs, Antigone not only shows her strength and courage, but also her commitment to her family. Family is very important to Antigone, especially since the death of her father and mother. And now that her two brothers are dead, all that is left is her sister. "Sister, remember what happened to our father! ...Think about the fact that we're all that's left of our family" (41, 46-47). The fact that Antigone is now alone with her sister only makes her desire to honor her family even stronger. She has a very passionate spirit that cannot and will not be crushed by man's law or the consequences. Antigone posses an ability that enables her to follow her heart and that makes her a very strong and able character.

"You so-called prophets are like archers, letting your arrows fly at me! But

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Approximate Word count = 2221
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)