Creon as a Tragic Hero

In the world of literature, tragic heroes have been a staple for centuries. These characters, often noble and well-respected, are brought down by a fatal flaw or mistake, leading to their ultimate downfall. Sophocles' play Antigone introduces us to one such tragic hero, Creon, the king of Thebes. Throughout the play, Creon's actions and decisions lead to his tragic demise, making him a quintessential example of a tragic hero. This essay will explore Creon's characteristics and actions, and argue that he fits the traditional definition of a tragic hero.

Creon's tragic flaw, or hamartia, is his hubris or excessive pride. In the beginning of the play, Creon is presented as a strong, authoritative leader who is unwavering in his decisions. He is confident in his ability to rule Thebes and believes that his word is law. This is evident when he proclaims, "The man the city sets up in authority must be obeyed in small things and in just, and in things just and unjust, and not in this alone, but in everything" (Sophocles, 718). Creon's pride blinds him to the consequences of his actions, leading him to make decisions that ultimately result in tragedy.

Furthermore, Creon's pride leads him to disregard the gods' laws in favor of his own. This is seen when he decrees that Polyneices, Antigone's brother, is not to be buried, and anyone who disobeys will face death. This decision goes against the religious and moral beliefs of the people of Thebes, and it ultimately leads to the destruction of his family. Creon's stubbornness and refusal to reconsider his decree, even when warned by his son Haemon, highlights his tragic flaw and sets the stage for his downfall.

Another aspect of Creon's character that aligns with the traditional definition of a tragic hero is his realization of his mistake, or anagnorisis. As the play progresses, Creon begins to see the error of his ways and the consequences of his prideful decisions. He is forced to confront the fact that his actions have led to the deaths of his son, wife, and Antigone. This moment of realization is a crucial element of Creon's tragic journey, as it highlights the depth of his suffering and the inevitability of his downfall.

In addition, Creon's suffering and downfall evoke feelings of pity and fear in the audience, fulfilling another requirement of a tragic hero. As the play reaches its climax, we witness Creon's anguish and despair as he realizes the extent of his folly. His grief and remorse evoke pity from the audience, while his downfall serves as a warning about the dangers of excessive pride and the consequences of defying the gods. Sophocles' portrayal of Creon's tragic journey elicits a sense of fear in the audience, as we are reminded of the fragility of human existence and the potential for tragic outcomes when one's hubris goes unchecked.

In conclusion, Creon's character in Antigone exhibits all the qualities of a tragic hero as outlined by Aristotle in his Poetics. His excessive pride, tragic flaw, anagnorisis, and ultimate downfall all contribute to his status as a quintessential tragic hero. Through his journey, the audience is reminded of the potential consequences of hubris and the importance of humility and respect for divine laws. Creon's story serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to reflect on our own actions and the impact they may have on our lives and the lives of those around us. As we continue to explore the world of literature, we will undoubtedly encounter more tragic heroes like Creon, each offering valuable insights into the human condition and the complexities of the human experience.