Antigone:
1. Unwavering Principles: Antigone embodies unwavering principles and a strong moral compass. She chooses to defy Creon's decree, prioritizing her religious and ethical duty to bury her brother, even at the cost of her own life. Her unwavering stance in the face of adversity makes her a compelling protagonist.
2. Personal Tragedy: Antigone experiences personal tragedy as she pays a high price for her principles. Her decision leads to her isolation, incarceration, and eventual suicide, creating a sense of pathos and dramatic tension.
3. Familial Bonds: Antigone's primary motivation stems from her familial loyalty. She prioritizes her obligations to her dead brother over the law of the state, highlighting the conflict between personal and public responsibilities.
4. Catalyst for Change: Through her actions and fate, Antigone prompts the downfall of Creon, leading to a reevaluation of his decisions and the consequences of tyrannical authority.
Creon:
1. Flawed Ruler: Creon's tragic flaw lies in his excessive pride and devotion to the state. His hubris leads him to believe that his authority supersedes divine laws and moral obligations, setting the stage for his conflict with Antigone.
2. Loss and Realization: Creon experiences a profound transformation as he faces the tragic consequences of his actions. The deaths of his son, Haemon, and his wife, Eurydice, force him to confront the personal toll of his decisions, evoking a sense of pity and fear in the audience.
3. Recognition of Error: In his moment of realization, Creon acknowledges his errors, expressing remorse and regret. His change of heart, although too late to save his family, adds a layer of complexity to his character.
4. Fall from Power: Creon's downfall underscores the cyclical nature of tragedy and the impermanence of power. His tragic end serves as a warning against unchecked authority and the need for balance in human affairs.
In conclusion, while Antigone displays more traditional traits of a tragic protagonist through her unwavering principles and personal sacrifice, Creon's journey also encompasses tragic elements, including his fatal flaws, personal losses, and ultimate downfall. Both characters embody different aspects of the tragic experience, each contributing to the play's exploration of fate, free will, and the complexities of human decision-making.