Creon's idea that the state versus the individual is far more important than the individual itself leads the lives of Antigone, his son Haemon, and his wife Eurydice to their final resting places. As Creon sentences Antigone to death, he has no sympathy for this poor girl. "This young girl-/dead or alive, she will be stripped of her rights, / her stranger's rights, here in the world above." (975-977) He is determined to condemn her because he feels she has defied his word. Creon's stubbornness and thoughtlessness cause his son, Haemon, and his wife, Eurydice, to commit suicide. When he finally realizes the cruelty of his crime, he regrets his actions and tries to redo what has already taken place. "Oh, it's hard, / giving up the heart's desire but I will do it." (1229-1231) Even though he truly doesn"t want to undo his work, he feels he must to save the lives of his family members. When Creon is too late in saving Antigone, he knows the lives of his family are doomed, as well, and it is because of his stupidity they will die. "I murdered you, my son, against my will-/you too, my wife- (1459-1462) He feels regret now that all his loved ones have died, but it was because of his beliefs that the lives of his family were condemned to death. .
Torvald Helmer is the product of his society, one who seems to fit well in the middle-class mold. He has built his middle-class living through his own work and not from family money. Focused on business, Torvald spends a great deal of his time at home in his study, avoiding general visitors and interacting very little with his children. In fact, he sees himself primarily as responsible for the financial welfare of his family and as a guardian for his wife. "We can"t afford to squander money." (Ibsen 138) Money is an important issue throughout this story and Torvald feels responsible for the income. He abhors the idea of financial or moral dependence on anyone.
