Antigone characters

Appears from the start

A daughter of Oedipus and sister of the two princes who have killed each other in the struggle for Thebes. Antigone believes the sacred obligation to bury her brother Polyneices outweighs the king's decree forbidding it. She asks Ismene to help and is prepared to act alone when her sister refuses.

Appears from the start

Antigone's sister and the other surviving daughter of Oedipus. Ismene shares her grief but fears that defying the ruler will destroy the last members of their family. She urges caution and refuses to join the planned burial.

First appears in chapter 3

The new king of Thebes and uncle of Antigone and Ismene. After defending the city against Polyneices' attack, Creon orders honourable burial for Eteocles but leaves Polyneices unburied as a traitor. He treats obedience to civic authority as the test of loyalty.

Appears from the start

Antigone's dead brother, who attacked Thebes after a dispute over the throne and died fighting his brother Eteocles. Creon's order denies his body burial, making the treatment of his remains the central conflict of the play.

Appears from the start

The brother of Antigone, Ismene, and Polyneices. He died defending Thebes in single combat with Polyneices and receives the public honours that Creon denies his brother.

First appears in chapter 3

A sentry assigned to watch Polyneices' body. Frightened of Creon's temper, he reports that someone has performed burial rites despite the decree and tries to make clear that the guards did not willingly fail in their duty.

First appears in chapter 7

Creon's son and Antigone's intended husband. Haemon initially approaches his father with respect, then argues that the city sympathizes with Antigone and that a ruler should be willing to reconsider a mistaken judgment.

First appears in chapter 11

The aged blind prophet of Thebes. Tiresias interprets signs from the gods and advises Creon that the unburied corpse and Antigone's punishment have polluted the city. His long record of truthful counsel gives the warning political as well as religious weight.

First appears in chapter 13

Creon's wife and Haemon's mother. She enters late to hear the report from the place where Antigone was confined and asks for a plain account of what has happened to her family.

First appears in chapter 2

A group of Theban elders who respond to the conflict and advise Creon. The Chorus reflects the city's relief after the failed invasion, its respect for authority, and its growing fear that the king's refusal to bend is violating divine order.