A Hero's Tragedy About the tragic hero of "Antigone" "Antigone" is a play by Sophocles

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Her love for her family causes her to break the law. Her pride warrants her to call the king a fool; and her determination to rob Creon of the satisfaction of condemning her to slow death brings her to commit suicide. Antigone is the tragic hero of the play because she is the daughter of the former king of Thebes, has too much pride for her own good, and dies on behalf of her family.

In addition, Antigone is born into a royal family and has the capability to make her own choices. Antigone is the daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta, former king and queen of Thebes, distinguishing her as royalty. “They had four children, the sons Eteocles and Polynices and daughters Antigone and Ismene (vi).” Antigone is of high social class, allowing her many privileges and advantages; however, there have been many burdens placed on Antigone and her family.

Oedipus was exiled and Polynices became a traitor to Thebes. When Haemon and Creon are talking about the crime that Antigone has committed, Creon replies, “To pay respect to rebels?” (28). Antigone is the daughter of Oedipus who has had many hardships, making it harder for her to deal with the many problems her family has. Antigone has to choose whether or not to bury Polynices. Antigone believes that the gods support her plan to bury her brother, declaring “those approve Whom I most need to please” (4). Antigone thinks that the word of the gods is much more powerful than any law put in place by a man.

As a result, Antigone finds herself in a situation where her judgment determines her fate in the near future. Antigone’s pride is the reason for her eventual downfall. Antigone wants to honor her brother by showing her loyalty even if...