Creon: A True Tragic Hero

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Antigone Essay
There is controversy on which character is the real tragic hero in Antigone. There are two possible candidates for the title. A true tragic hero displays many extremely identifiable traits that make it lucid to the reader. After studying Aristotle’s definition of tragedy it can be concluded that Creon is the play’s tragic hero. Creon fits the traits of this title because of the inability to change a great mistake, demonstrating a personal flaw, and suffering a horrible downfall.
Creon makes multiple mistakes throughout this story. Many of which resulted in irreversible situations. Creon’s actions have caused the loss of many lives, even those very dear to him. “Creon shrank back, the blade missed; and the boy, desperate against himself, drove it half its length into his own side, and fell” …show more content…
This is the root of many downfalls in the plot. Two different characters in the play make it their goal to persuade Creon to lift his decree, but he will not give in. Haimon, Creon’s son, explains, “No woman has ever, so unreasonable, died so shameful a death for a generous act” (3.66-67). Haimon is trying to get Creon to realize that his punishment is cruel and uncalled for. Creon will not stand for this because he feels he is not being treated with the respect and power that comes with his title. Because he is King he believes he is always right and especially when it comes to this particular situation. This is made evident when Creon states, “Whoever is chosen to govern should be obeyed” (3.38). Creon accuses Teiresias, a blind prophet, of being bribed to tell him that his decisions will end with tragedy. Creon says, “The generation of prophets has always loved gold” (5.64). This offends Teiresias and he then explains, “time is not far off when you shall pay back” (5.76). After hearing his fate Creon finally puts down his stubborn pride and listens to what he should do to solve this ongoing

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