Creon– Classic tragic hero
Creon, is the larger than life protagonist of Antigone. Antigone's action of burying her brother the traitor, going directly against the orders that have been laid down, require Creon to take counter-action. Creon, who is the reigning king of Thebes at the time the play takes place, suffers a fall from grace due to his own hubris and stubbornness. As Thebes has just gotten out of a terrible war, Creon tries to provide stability by being a firm and authoritarian ruler. Antigone threatens the stability and authority that Creon is trying to maintain. The Chorus states that Creon is normally reasonable and rational. When it comes to Antigone, however, he becomes rigidly stubborn and excessive with his punishment simply because he cannot stand being defied no matter what the circumstances. Several people if not directly arguing in Antigone's favor, at least assert he's being harsh, but he refuses to change his decision. When he finally relents, it is far too late. He loses his wife and son, the former dies cursing him for his actions.
Eurydice– Creon's wife plays a small but significant role in the play. She is a hysterical and emotional woman. When hearing all that has happen she curses Creon's stubborn pride and takes her own life.
Guard– The guard character is very much like us. He not only tells the audience of Antigone's actions but seems genuinely conflicted between loyalty to his king and sympathy for Antigone which is general feeling throughout the play.