Who is a tragic hero? A tragic hero is one who is destined for downfall, has suffered or as been defeated. In the beginning, Creon was chosen to be a king because his brother chose him. He only chose him because he did not think his sons were worthy enough to be king at the time. Creon was a great king, husband, and father, and had not done any wrong to anyone. After Creons brothers death, he was left to raise his two nieces. His niece Antigone wants to give him a proper burial, but she is told that she was not going to be allowed to do that. However, she chose to do so anyways, regardless of the consequences. Soon, Creon finds out and asks that she be brought to him to be punished. After all of the dilemma and advice from those who were around him, Creon, ultimately, begins to rethink the matters involving his niece, Antigone. In the play Antigone, a reader can assume that woman Antigone was the tragic hero, but she is not. As it turned out, Creon is the tragic hero. With the dealings between Creon, Antigone, and the prophet, Creons pride is what made him a tragic hero and causes his downfalls. .
One way Creons pride makes him a tragic hero is shown during the conflict between Creon and Antigone. To begin, Creon would not listen to Antigone and allow her to explain herself. While talking with Antigone, Creon states the following line: An enemy is an enemy even dead (417). Creon is not willing to change his mind about burying his nephew no matter what. He let his pride stand in the way and hinder him from making the right decisions. Creon later states, These two sisters were aiming at my throne (428). Later, Creon finds out Antigone and believes Ismene were the ones trying to bury their brother. Creon would rather sentence both his nieces to death before his pride would allow him to listen to either of his nieces. .
In addition to Creons encounter with Antigone, his pride is displayed when he is having a conversation with the prophet, Teiresias.
