Antigone
 
by Sophocles
 
The debate over who is the tragic hero in "Antigone"
continues and there seems to be no solution. The belief
that Antigone is the hero is a strong one; however, there
are many critics who believe that Creon, the Ruler of
Thebes, is the true protagonist. Both characters show
strength by maintaining their beliefs and not yielding to
external influences. The play portrays a struggle between
two individuals; one believing in the power of a mortal law
and the other believing in the power of a religious law.
Antigone, is the underling to Creon in that she is a
subject in his kingdom and a woman, yet she is bold and
defiant. Her actions of remaining steadfast to the point
of even giving up her life for her belief, makes her the
stronger protagonist and the hero or rather heroine of the
play. 
 
Many critics argue that Creon is the tragic hero of
Antigone. They say that his noble quality is his caring for
Antigone and Ismene when their father was persecuted. Those
who stand behind Creon also argue that Antigone never had a
true epiphany, a key element in being a tragic hero. Creon,
on the other hand, realized his mistake when Teiresias made
his prophecy. He is forced to live, knowing that three
people are dead because of his ignorance, which is a
punishment worse than death.
 
The arguments that Antigone is the true hero/heroine of the
play are based on the fact that she tries to help her
brother without worrying about what will happen to her. She
says, "I intend to give my brother burial. I'll be glad to
die in the attempt, -if it's a crime, then it's a crime
that God commands" (Sophocles 4). She is being punished for
following the decrees of the gods. Her epiphany came,
hidden from the audience, before she hung herself. Creon's
"nobleness" of taking in young Antigone and Ismene is
overshadowed by his egotistical nature. He will not show
mercy, simply because he wants to protect his image. He
says, "If she gets away with this behavior, call me a woman
and call her a man" (Sophocles 13). 
 
Critics, to this day, still argue about who is the tragic
hero of Antigone. Many say that Antigone is the heroin and
others say that it is Creon. The definition of the word
protagonist, "one who is a leader or supporter of a
cause", supports the argument in favor of Antigone. By
insisting that her brother requires a burial, she is
fighting for the law of the gods whereas Creon simply
exhibits stubbornness and cruelty.