Antigone's Tragic Hero: Creon

Antigone, the ancient greek play written by Sophocles, is a story about a woman named Antigone who breaks the kings law by burying her brother who is considered a traitor to the state. The king, Creon, despises the action Antigone commits and uses his power against her. Creon holds the tragic flaws of ignorance and pride, which lead to the death of the other characters. Creon’s ignorance of not listening to advice along with his refusal to change his actions suggests that poor leadership leads to the downfall of others.

Creon is ignorant for not listening to others and he denies advice when it’s given to him. In the beginning of the play, Creon explains to the Chorus why Polyneices should not be buried. Following his speech, he says, “This is my command, and you can see the wisdom behind it. As long as I am king, no traitor is going to be honored with the loyal man” (1.43-45). By using the words “command” and “wisdom”, Sophocles shows how confident Creon feels with his judgement and how nobody can change his mind. Creon’s overconfidence is what fuels him to be such a poor leader. Later, after Creon locks Antigone away, Teiresias tries to reason with him. Creon responds with, “Whatever you say, you will not change my will” (5.69). Ultimately, this implies as well as supports how Creon’s ignorance leads to the downfall of his kingdom. His refusal to take advice leads to the death of Antigone, Haemon, and his wife. It is important to be open minded as a leader, or else your followers will not succeed nor will you.

Creon’s refusal to change his actions leads to the loss of his loved ones. After Teiresias attempts to reason with Creon, the Choragus proceeds to convince him to free Antigone. He states, “And it must be done at once; God moves swiftly to cancel the folly of stubborn men” (5.98-99). By using the words “folly” and “stubborn”, Sophocles shows what price Creon will have to pay because of his foolish actions. As a result of his actions, he loses his wife, son, and his son’s true love. Finally, Creon is convinced to change his actions. He exclaims, “It is hard to deny the heart! But I will do it! I will not fight with destiny” (5.100-101). As a result of Creon’s late decision to change his actions, his new decision means nothing. Creon did not act soon enough and he failed to save his loved ones. A leader’s refusal to recognize his or her poor actions and make a change, leads to inevitable fate.

Creon’s ignorance and stubbornness is what makes him the tragic hero of the play. Creon ignores the advice of others when it’s handed to him, even by the esteemed prophet who helped him become king, he refuses to change his actions until it’s too late. This leads to the loss of his loved ones. Today, it is still evident that poor leadership leads to the downfall of others. Sophocles has a time tested message that even in 2020 still holds true. It is important to lead others strongly and efficiently in order for everyone to succeed.