Antigone essays: Creon is the true tragic hero Antigone, written by Sophocles, is perhaps the first written work that still exists today (www.imagi... 1 ). There is much controversy as to who the "tragic hero" is in the play. Some say Antigone, others Creon, others even Heamon. I believe that Creon exhibits all the characteristics of a 'tragic hero'. He receives sympathy from the audience, but recognizes his weaknesses and downfalls due to his personal pride, stubbornness, and demands for control. He is the real protagonist. Even though the audience notices how evil Creon is, they still express sympathy towards him. They realize that he brought all his problems with him and that he should have been more open-minded, but they think that no one should have to go through what he went through. They understand how the warrior king Creon felt when he noticed that his son was struck by love. The audience also expresses pity towards him because Antigone is a murderer and understands why he is angry. Creon's noble quality is his caring for Antigone and Ismene when their father was persecuted. Creon is a very authoritative person and requires control of others. Creon, speaking to the choir, does not ask them to accept the decree but demands that they respect it. Creon expects loyalty from others. It is evident that Creon is very dominant and wants to be in control. «The man that the city constitutes to authority must be obeyed in small things and in the right, but also in their opposites» (717-719). Through this quote the reader realizes that Creon wants obedience in everything he decides even if he is at fault. “There is nothing worse than disobedience to authority” (723-724). Further supporting Creon's belief that everyone will remain loyal to him even if he rules unjustly. This is proven true when Creon says, “Should the city tell me how I should govern it?” (790).Creon has forgotten that the ruler should do what is best for the city and its citizens. Creon has the impression of always being correct in his judgments and beliefs. Even before the sentry explains what happened, the sentry declares that he is only a messenger and that he did not commit the crime. Yet Creon still accuses the sentry of having received money to carry out the crime and threatens to punish him.