A tragic hero, according to Aristotelian definitions, is a "highly renowned and prosperous" character. This figure is not perfect and has to be on some level responsible for his or her downfall. The hero's punishment usually exceeds the crime. By the end of the play, this hero recognizes his or her own error or flaw and accepts the overwhelming retribution. Through this experience, he or she finally gains wisdom. .
In Antigone by Sophocles, Creon fits the term tragic hero more adequately than Antigone. The two have some character flaws, and both are responsible for their own tragic consequences. They are proud, stubborn people, and their unwillingness to recognize their folly sparks the bitter conflict between them. Yet Antigone does not experience any significant downfall nor is she enlightened in any way at the end. Creon, on the other hand, is a great man reduced to a pitiable condition as a result of a tragic flaw and is humbled by this tragedy. .
Bound by her rashness and steadfast religious convictions, Antigone buries her brother, Polyneices, despite Creon's edict because she felt that it was not up to man to decide her fate. Antigone is strong enough to challenge the everpresent control of men. She presents her opinions, challenges authority, and does not believe in something merely because it is the word of the king. It is between her and the gods. .
Even though Antigone is courageous and noble, she does not think her actions through. She does not care whether or not her decisions will affect the people around her. Antigone also has a martyr complex. Her selfishness is shown when she harshly refuses her sister's request to share Antigone's punishment with her. Antigone wants all the credit for saving Polyneices' soul. .
All these flaws are only traits of the human nature, and Antigone is merely a human. At the time of her impending death, she reveals her fatalistic nature, which at first is hidden beneath her pride and feministic convictions.