Who is the Tragic Hero of Sophocles' Drama "Antigone"

Antigone, a play written by Sophocles, tells the story of a woman named Antigone who defies the orders of her uncle, the king, and buries her brother. She believes it is her moral duty to honor her brother's memory and refuses to let him go unburied. Antigone essay, or the play, shows the progress when Antigone faces consequences for her actions, leading to her tragic end. Antigone can be considered a tragic hero due to her noble birth, tragic flaw, and eventual downfall.

Antigone's noble birth is one of the characteristics that make her a tragic hero. She is the daughter of Oedipus, the former king of Thebes, making her a member of the royal family. This puts her in a position of power and influence, but also creates expectations for her behavior. As a member of the royal family, she is expected to follow the laws and rules of the land, but her moral code and love for her brother lead her to defy these expectations.

Antigone's tragic flaw is another aspect of her character that contributes to her status as a tragic hero. Her stubbornness and determination to do what she believes is right, even when it goes against the law, ultimately leads to her downfall. She refuses to back down or compromise, even when given multiple opportunities to do so. Her tragic flaw is her inability to see the consequences of her actions and how they will affect her loved ones.

Antigone's downfall is the final characteristic that solidifies her as a tragic hero. She is punished for her actions by being sentenced to death. Despite the efforts of her fiancé, Haemon, and the prophet, Teiresias, to intervene, Antigone remains steadfast in her beliefs and faces her punishment with dignity and honor. Her death is not only a consequence of her actions but also a result of the tragic flaw that defines her character.

In conclusion, Antigone can be considered a tragic hero due to her noble birth, tragic flaw, and eventual downfall. Her status as a member of the royal family puts her in a position of power and influence, but also creates expectations for her behavior. Her stubbornness and determination to do what she believes is right ultimately leads to her tragic end. Antigone's story serves as a reminder that even those in positions of power are subject to the consequences of their actions and that the tragic hero's downfall is an inevitable part of their story.