Antigone, which was written by Sophocles, is possibly the first written play that still exists today (www.imagi... 1). There is much controversy between who the 'tragic hero' is in the play. Some people say Antigone, some say Creon, others even say Heamon. I believe Creon displays all of the characteristics of a 'tragic hero'. He receives compassion through the audience, yet recognizes his weaknesses, and his downfalls from his own self-pride, stubbornness, and controlling demands. He is the true protagonist.

Though the audience notices how villainous Creon is, they still express sympathy towards him. They realize that he has brought all of his problems on himself and should have been more open-minded, but think no one should have to go through what he has. They understand how the warrior king Creon felt when he notices his son is love struck. The audience also expresses pity towards him because Antigone is a murderer and understands why he is upset. Creon's noble quality is his caring for Antigone and Ismene when their father was persecuted.

Creon is a very authoritative person and demands control of others. When talking to the Chorus, Creon does not ask them to agree w

King Creon noticed that he had a weakness in which he tries to correct but is too late. His weakness is impulsive with his decision-making. He never really sits down and thinks about things; instead he just says what comes to mind. Creon says "you will never marry her while she lives"(807), right after his first discussion about Antigone. Creon summarizes his plans for Antigone, which comes to his mind after talking with Haemon (833-841). These two decisions decided the lives of two young people, but the impulsive Creon never thought about that. Creon's stubbornness brings about his own downfall when he chooses not to believe Teiresias, the blind prophet. Instead, Creon falsely accuses Teiresias of making "profit from silver-gold" (1088). Insulted by the false remark of trying to make money, Teiresias tells Creon of his dangerous future ahead of him. Creon tries to correct his impulsiveness with, "I will go, just as I am. Come, servants, all of you; take axes in your hands; away with you to place you see, there. For my part, since my intention is so changed, as I bound her myself, myself will free her"(1175-1180). These lines show how he changed his impulsive decision, but unfortunately was too late. He is forced to live, knowing that three people are dead because of his ignorance.

small things and in just but also in their opposites"(717-719). Through this quote the reader realizes that Creon wants obedience in everything he decides even if he is at fault.

Self-pride is the tragic flaw that Creon faces in this story. Creon is stubborn and does not want to compromise. Due to his overwhelming power of pride, he makes destruction fall upon him. His downfall comes from attempting to be just and right by enforcing the law. Since he acted the way he thought was right, he ultimately suffered a tragedy. Creon displays the image of a 'tragic hero' on account of the errors he has made. According to Aristotle, quoted in McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of World Drama, Creon fits the image of a 'tragic hero' "A man who is not eminently good and just, yet whose misfortune is brought about not by purpose, but by some error or frailty. He must be one who is highly renowned and prosperous" (Hochman v4 1274). Creon's

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Approximate Word count = 1509
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)