Biography of sophocles antigone characters
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This clash between the prophet and the king highlights Creon's hubris, as he believes his authority can override the will of the gods. Haemon's suicide is the ultimate act of defiance against his father and a testament to his love for Antigone.
Tiresias
Tiresias, the blind prophet of Thebes, is a key figure in the play who delivers warnings to Creon about the consequences of his actions.
His relationship with Haemon is also severely damaged.
Antigone: List of Characters
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The heroine Antigone is one of the four children of Oedipus (her siblings are Ismene, Eteocles and Polyneices).
She appears right at the end of the play Antigone, in profoundly wretched circumstances.
Teiresias is an old blind prophet from Thebes, who can predict the future from observing birds and other creatures. Tiresias is not swayed by Creon's initial disbelief and stands firm in his warnings. He becomes increasingly frustrated with his father's stubbornness and tries to reason with him, showing a more passionate and emotional side as he fights to save Antigone.
Haemon's personality is more balanced than Creon's or Antigone's.
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Introducing the Classical world
How do we learn about the world of the ancient Romans and Greeks? Ismene's cautious nature is often seen as weakness, especially by Antigone, who scolds her for not standing up for what is right.
His love for Antigone is genuine, and when he realizes that his father will not change his mind, Haemon becomes desperate. She views him as a tyrant who puts man-made laws above those of the gods. This reflects both her great love for her family and her place as a symbol of the status quo who is rewarded for remembering her place.
The Chorus comments on the action and interacts with Creon, actively interceding with advice at a critical moment late in the play.
His frustration with Creon turns into rage, and after discovering Antigone's death, he takes his own life in despair.
Haemon's relationship with Creon is complex. But will Creon believe him?
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Antigone
Watch now to access more details of AntigoneDiscover the Ancient Greek tragedy 'Antigone' in our two minute animation voiced by Helen Skelton, then find out more about the characters in the classical Sophocles' play.
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Creon's pride, or hubris, is his tragic flaw. She blames Creon for Haemon's death, believing that his stubbornness and pride have destroyed their family. His name means ‘many troubles’, and he’s generally remembered as ‘the bad brother’, because he attacked Thebes with a foreign army.
They watch the unfolding events with sympathy and a discerning eye: they pity Creon and Antigone, but also comment critically on their faults.
The ruler of Thebes in the wake of war, Creon cherishes order and loyalty above all else. From Antigone's unyielding defiance to Creon's destructive pride, each character's journey reveals the powerful consequences of human choices and divine will.
Antigone
Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta, stands out as a defiant and morally-driven figure in the play.
The Chorus is comprised of the Theban elders, vital for maintaining order in the city, and Creon summons them to win their loyalty. He is in love with Antigone, and the pair plan to get married soon.
Eurydice is the wife of Creon (no relation to the other mythical Eurydice, the wife of Orpheus). In the end, Creon is left isolated and broken, having lost everything because of his inability to balance justice with mercy.
Ismene
Ismene is Antigone's sister and serves as a foil to her bold and defiant sibling.
Ismene's physical appearance is not given much detail, but her behavior suggests a quieter, more reserved personality compared to Antigone's fiery spirit.
Ismene's personality is marked by her fear of defying authority and her desire for self-preservation. Tiresias' behavior is calm and measured as he delivers his prophecy, warning Creon of the doom that awaits him if he does not change course.
Tiresias' personality is characterized by patience and authority.