English Literature

Tragic heroes hold unique traits in the Greek tragedies which set them apart from the rest of the characters in the tragedy.  Sophocles Antigone is a tragedy which meets the definitions of Aristotle. There are two tragic figures Antigone and Creon in the play, positioned in a different echelon when compared to other characters. Though the play is titled Antigone, Antigone need not be the most tragic figure in the play for various reasons.

According to Aristotelian definition, a tragic hero must be a highly fted character holding a venerated position in the society and who is neither good nor bad and not an epitome of perfection. Further at some level, he should be responsible for his downfall. Towards the end of the play, he should realize his fatal flaw which has led to his ruin, meekly accept the reprisal and gain wisdom through this retribution. Aristotle further states that the tragic her should evoke a sense of pity and fear in the minds of the audience. A tragic hero should undergo the following according to the norms laid by Aristotle. His downfall occurs due to Hamartia or the fatal flaw, which further leads to Peripeteia or reversal of fortune. This misfortune results in Catharsis or reversal of emotion which in turn leads to Anagnorisis or the sudden realization of the truth.

Creon, the King of Thebes holds a renowned position in the society. He is neither good nor bad. But his fatal flaw was his stubbornness and self-pride which is revealed when he states, My voice is the one voice giving orders in this city (Scene III, 105). He insists on punishing Antigone which results in the reversal of his fortune when everyone turns against him and even his wife and son kill themselves. After losing his wife and son, he releases his feeling of anguish and goes through catharsis. Towards the end of the tragedy, he realizes his error and meekly accepts the retribution.

Antigone is also a tragic figure in Antigone. She also holds a dignified position in the society. Her fatal flaw is also stubbornness but right from the beginning of the play, she is in a state of misery unlike Creon, who holds a distinguished position in the society and later deteriorates to a low status. Hence there is no reversal of fortune for Antigone. Further there is no possibility of Anagnorisis or the sudden realization of the truth. Further a tragic hero learns from his fatal flaw. But such a lesson is never learnt by Antigone till the end of the tragedy. She is obstinate to give a proper burial to her beloved brother Polyneices and thereby obey the laws of God instead of the laws of man (King Creon). She is completely aware of the consequences and remains flat till the end of the play. But she evokes pity and fear from the audience.

Thus, Creon shows all the characteristics of a tragic hero though the play is titled Antigone.  He falls from a distinct status due to his self-pride and arrogance, evokes pity from the audience, realizes his fatal flaw and finally submits to retribution and gains wisdom. Hence Creon is a more tragic figure than Antigone as per the Aristotelian standards.