Antigone, the play’s protagonist, is demonstrated as the most compassionate character in the play. After Eteocles and Polynices, Antigone’s brothers, engaged in a fatal duel for the throne, Creon, her uncle became king. As king, his first decree is that Eteocles will be buried with honor, while Polynices is to be left on the soil to rot, and anyone who disobeys the decree shall be executed. Creon’s decree does not settle well with Antigone, as she plans to give her brother the proper burial that he deserves. Despite the deathly consequence that will come with her disobedience of the law, Antigone is determined to be sympathetic towards her brother. Her act of solicitude is an evident demonstration of compassion as a theme throughout the play.
