Antigone:
- Moral and Ethical Duty: Antigone believes in honoring the unwritten and divine laws that prioritize the obligations to family and the respect for the deceased. To her, the laws of gods hold more weight than those imposed by the state or society.
- Loyalty to Family: Antigone is unwavering in her loyalty to her brother, Polyneices, who has been denied a proper burial by King Creon. She considers it her moral duty to perform the funeral rites for her brother, even if it means defying Creon's orders.
- Individual Conscience: Antigone follows her conscience and moral compass, even if it brings her into conflict with the state. She believes in the individual's right to choose the right course of action, regardless of the consequences.
Ismene:
- Fear and Pragmatism: Ismene prioritizes caution, pragmatism, and the need to adhere to the laws and rules set by the state and society. She fears the repercussions of defying Creon's orders and advises Antigone to prioritize their own safety.
- Societal Expectations: Ismene is influenced by societal norms and expectations, which place great importance on social order, authority figures, and avoiding conflicts with those in power.
- Conformity: Ismene believes in conforming to societal expectations and norms to maintain stability within the community, even if it means compromising one's personal values.
The conflict between Antigone and Ismene illustrates a fundamental tension between individual beliefs, moral obligations, and the demands of society and authority figures. Through the actions and arguments of the two sisters, Sophocles' play explores the complex ethical dilemmas individuals face when faced with competing value systems and their own sense of right and wrong.