Antigone: A True Tragic Hero

A True Tragic Hero Batman, Superman, and the Green Lantern all fit the characteristics of a hero. The word “hero” typically evokes positive feelings and has a positive connotation surrounding it. But what about “tragic hero,” does it? The English Department at California State University in Sacramento states that a tragic hero must be noble, possess heroic qualities, and acquire a tragic flaw leading to their demise. Though initially heroic by nature, the character’s tragic fall must also include the loss of dignity, or the respect of their people and/or their audience (English 1). Based on his nobility, heroic qualities, and tragic flaw leading to the disrespect of his people, as well as his demise, Creon of Antigone is the play’s tragic
Antigone, loyal and determined, exhibits those qualities, one scholar even describes her as a “heroine” (Holland 323). Because of Antigone’s “…absolute focus on her goal,” burring her brother and living up to the holy laws of God, “there is “no doubt she loves her own,” and only wants what is morally proper and for God’s will to be done (McNeill 1). Antigone fights for what she believes in,” to show respect and love towards her,” and what she believes her brother deserves (Conflicting Values in Antigone 1). Creon, who “makes his ruling because Polyneices attacked Thebes with by army,” undeniably wants to protect his people (King Creon in Antigone 1). As clearly portrayed in the play, Creon evidently loves his wife and children, one could argue that he made his ruling to protect them. Courtesy of Chegg Study, Creon’s “power may have been taken for granted by the people of Thebes” had he not acted against Polyneices (Chegg1). While Antigone does meet certain criteria to be the plays tragic hero, Creon fits it more
This character must have noble or high standings socially and politically, have heroic qualities and characteristics that set him or her apart from any other character; and have a tragic flaw, which leads to his or her demise, as well as to his or her people losing their respect for said character. In Antigone, it is very easy to assume that Antigone is the play’s tragic hero, she fits the criteria almost perfectly, the play is even named after her. However, Creon, the Theban king in the play and Antigone’s uncle, is the tragic hero in this case. Both Antigone and Creon are of high estate in Thebes and are very heroic and honorable. Despite this, Antigone lacks the true tragic flaw that Creon possesses, which means she cannot be the play’s tragic