Antigone Tragic Hero Characteristics

Antigone the Tragic Hero Tragic heroes are characters who have made a bad judgment that ends up in their downfall. Some celebrities may also be considered tragic heroes. An example of a tragic hero is Antigone from the play Antigone. Antigone describes to her sister, Ismene, that she wants to give their brother, Polyneices, a fair burial. Polyneices and Eteocles, their other brother, fought each other to their death to become the king of Thebes. Since they both have died, Creon became the new king of Thebes. Two characteristics of a tragic hero is that the punishment for their actions are far greater than deserved. Another characteristic is that tragic heroes believe full heartedly that what they are doing is for the better. Antigone has both of these characteristics making her a good example of a tragic hero. For example, Antigone’s death was not fair as to what she did. In the text, Choragos states:
And if I have to die for this crime, I am content, for I shall rest beside him; His love will answer mine (72-74)
She says that she is not scared to die. Saying that she is not afraid to die for breaking a law is a prideful move. She also says to the citizens as she is being taken away to the tomb: Antigone. O look upon me. The that remain of a line of Kings! How savagery impious men us me, For keeping a law that is holy (940-943)
As Antigone is being lead to the vault, she tells the citizens passing by that she is innocent despite what King Creon claims. Going against a king is very daring, especially as a woman during this time period. She is very prideful which is a major characteristic of a tragic hero. Antigone is a tragic hero because she buried her brother going against the law that led to her death. Her death was devastating and not needed due to her crime. A tragic hero is a person, fictional or not, that makes a bad decision ending up in their downfall, and Antigone is one of these