Antigone Character Review

Question 1

Teiresias

Answer 1

Blind prophet; warns creon about his stubbornness, and his ignorance would lead to tragedy. Told Creon he must obey God’s laws and be more flexible.

Question 2

Antigone

Answer 2

Daughter of Oedipus; courageous and determined, values family duty and divine law; must be obeyed and defies Creon (buries her brother), is punished

Question 3

Creon

Answer 3

King of Thebes; believes his authority is higher than divine law (above all else); issues decree (leave Polynices unburied); views him as traitor), punishes and accuses those who defy and question him

Question 4

Haemon

Answer 4

Creon’s son (antigone’s fiance); believes Creon should be flexible (show mercy) and hear the advice of others. Mediates between the two of them (C+A). Values Justice and urges Creon to reconsider his decisions (harsh treatment).

Question 5

Eurydice

Answer 5

Creon’s wife; silent on political matters, loves her son and kills herself upon his death; hates Creon

Question 6

Ismene

Answer 6

Antigone’s sister; believes they must obey Creon’s law, they can’t stand up to men with authority, should not challenge state (grieves polynices). Is more passive, but later regrets her inaction and offers to share her sisters punishment.

Question 7

Messenger 1

Answer 7

brings Haemon’s news of suicide to Eurydice

Question 7

Guard

Answer 7

Reports the burial of Polynices (arrests Antigone), self-serving, tries to protect himself and avoid punishment by catching Antigone.

Question 8

Messenger 2

Answer 8

announces death of Eurydice to Creon

Question 9

Chorus

Answer 9

serve as commentators on the events of the play, offers insights, background information; initially support Creon but as the play progresses they begin to question his actions and warn him about the dangers of his pride. Sympathize with Antigone eventually.