Sophocles True Tragic Hero: Creon There has always been a great debate over who is the true tragic hero in Sophocles Antigone. Many scholars would stake claim to Antigone possessing all the necessary characteristics of a true tragic hero, but many others would argue that Creon holds many qualities as well. It is hard to discount Antigone as a tragic hero, because in fact, the play bears her name, but from careful reading, Creon meets Aristotles criteria exactly and fits perfectly into the role. In order to determine whether or not Creon is the true tragic hero, one must answer the question: What is a Tragic Hero? In Aristotles Poetics, he discusses the basic criteria regarding a tragic hero. Aristotle states that tragic heroes must have a high status or social position; characters must not be perfect, although, the character is pre-eminently good; they must have a single flaw that brings about their own demise and that of the others around them. Aristotle also mentions another quality of a tragic hero, which is that the character arouses pity in the audience usually because the punishment exceeds the crime and the hero is alive to face his suffering in order to achieve some self-recognition. After reviewing all these critera, it should be clear that Creon is the true tragic hero.First, Aristotle suggests that a tragic hero must occupy a high status position, but must also possess nobility and virtue as part of the heros character. Creon fits this description quite accurately. At the beginning of the play; in the Time and Scene section, it says that, Creon, is now king of Thebes. This quote shows that he occupies a strong status position and stature of nobility. Creon also proves that his character embodies virtue and honor. He shows that he would put his country above all else, when speaking to the Chorus at the beginning of the play. Creon said, ...And whoever places a friend above the good of his own county, he is no...
