Antigone — Ismene character analysis

Question 1

Sister of Antigone

Answer 1

Ismene is Antigone’s sister and the daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta

Question 2

Contrast to Antigone

Answer 2

Ismene serves as a foil to Antigone, representing a more cautious and obedient nature

Question 3

Submissive

Answer 3

Ismene is portrayed as submissive and more inclined to follow authority, particularly Creon’s edicts

Question 4

Fearful

Answer 4

Ismene is characterized by her fear of the consequences that come with defying the laws and orders of the state

Question 5

Pragmatic

Answer 5

Ismene takes a practical approach and emphasises the importance of compromise and adherence to societal norms

Question 6

Conflict

Answer 6

Ismene experiences an internal conflict between her loyalty to family and her fear of the repercussions of defying Creon’s authority

Question 7

Traditional Gender Roles

Answer 7

Ismene adheres to traditional gender roles and believes in the importance of women’s obedience and submission

Question 8

Supportive

Answer 8

Ismene genuinely cares for Antigone and attempts to dissuade her from carrying out her dangerous plans, out of concern for her sister’s well-being

Question 9

Sibling Loyalty

Answer 9

While initially hesitant to join Antigone in her defiant actions, Ismene ultimately expresses her willingness to share the blame and punishment, displaying her loyalty to family

Question 10

Regret

Answer 10

Ismene regrets her initial reluctance to participate in Antigone’s plans and expresses guilt for not standing by her sister sooner

Question 11

Voice of Reason

Answer 11

Ismene acts as the voice of reason, cautioning against the consequences of defying the laws of the state

Question 12

Fear of Death

Answer 12

Ismene is afraid of the repercussions of challenging authority, particularly the possibility of facing death

Question 13

Societal Pressure

Answer 13

Ismene is influenced by societal expectations and the pressure to conform to the norms and laws set by the ruling authority

Question 14

Character Development

Answer 14

Ismene undergoes a transformation throughout the play, gradually moving away from her initial submissive nature to a more sympathetic and supportive stance towards Antigone

Question 15

Moral Compass

Answer 15

Ismene possesses a moral compass but struggles to act upon it due to her fear and concerns for self-preservation

Question 16

Tragic Consequences

Answer 16

Ismene serves as a representation of the potential tragic consequences that may arise from blindly following authority without questioning its morality

Question 17

Internal Conflict

Answer 17

Ismene experiences an internal conflict between her desire to honor her family and her fear of the consequences of disobedience

Question 18

Symbol of Compromise

Answer 18

Ismene represents the inclination to find a middle ground between the demands of the state and familial obligations

Question 19

Growth in Courage

Answer 19

Ismene’s character development involves a growth in courage and a willingness to support Antigone, even if it means challenging the established order