Why Creon is the tragic figure in Antigone
In the play Antigone, Creon is the tragic figure because he has many character flaws which lead to his downfall and consequential remorse. Creon is the king in this play, and has control over laws and people. This constant power brings out all of the worst and most dangerous characteristics in Creon. He affects many people, both verbally and physically and makes a lasting on impact on the city of Thebes. When the story begins, Creon has issued a law forbidding the proper burial of a fallen soldier, his own nephew, Polyneices. He says, “ “.(Act 1, Line ) This immediately shows his first character flaw. He has so much pride and believed superiority that he can make laws to go against the gods’ laws. These laws have to do with the proper burial to ensure the release of the deceased’s soul. Without proper release, the soul will be forever trapped in the hell of its own body. Antigone, his niece and the sister of Polyneices, then goes against his law in order to give her beloved brother proper burial. She is caught and Creon’s second tragic flaw is seen: His stubbornness. He refuses to bend the law he made even when his own niece does everything she can to follow the gods laws. When Antigone begins to be seen as a public her, Creon’s stubbornness causes the townspeople to begin to disagree with and dislike him. When Antigone is punished for breaking his law, Creon’s pride causes him to show her no mercy. This causes distress among the people. His son Haimon tells him, “ “. (Act Line ) He is warned by Teiresias who says, “ “. (Act Line ) He has too much pride to even consider that he may be wrong and brushes off their advice. When Creon is finally persuaded by the Choragos that entrapping Antigone was a mistake, he is too late, and his downfall has begun. His pride has caused Antigone to hang herself, and as a result Haimon and his mom to stab themselves. Creon realizes his made a terrible mistake and shows regret for the first time,