* Prologue (lines 1-99): The play begins with a conversation between the sisters Antigone and Ismene. Antigone tells Ismene that their brother Polynices has been killed and that Creon, the new king of Thebes, has forbidden his burial. Antigone is determined to defy Creon's order and bury Polynices herself, but Ismene tries to dissuade her.
* Parodos (lines 100-161): The Chorus of Theban elders enters and sings a song about the city's history and the recent events that have led to the conflict between Antigone and Creon.
* First Episode (lines 162-331): Antigone is caught by the guards while trying to bury Polynices. She is brought before Creon, who confronts her about her disobedience. Antigone defends her actions, arguing that she is obligated to bury her brother according to the laws of the gods. Creon is unmoved by her arguments and orders her to be imprisoned in a cave.
* Second Episode (lines 332-581): Haemon, Creon's son and Antigone's betrothed, tries to convince his father to spare Antigone's life. Haemon argues that Antigone is innocent and that Creon is being unjust by punishing her. Creon refuses to listen to Haemon and orders Antigone to be executed.
* Third Episode (lines 582-780): Antigone is led away to her death. She sings a song of lamentation and expresses her hope that she will be reunited with her brother in the afterlife.
* Exodos (lines 781-1353): A messenger enters and reports that Antigone has committed suicide in her tomb. Creon is overcome with grief and remorse, and he realizes that he has made a terrible mistake. He orders Antigone's body to be buried and Polynices' body to be given a proper burial. The play ends with the Chorus singing a song of mourning for Antigone and the tragic events that have unfolded in Thebes.
Structure and Meaning
The structure of Antigone reflects the play's themes of conflict and resolution. The play begins with a conflict between Antigone and Creon, which escalates until it reaches a climax in Antigone's death. The play then ends with a resolution of the conflict, as Creon realizes his mistake and orders Antigone's body to be buried. This structure suggests that even the most bitter conflicts can be resolved if people are willing to listen to each other and understand each other's points of view.
The play's structure also emphasizes the importance of the chorus. The Chorus provides commentary on the action of the play and offers insights into the characters' motivations and the moral issues at stake. The Chorus also helps to create a sense of community in the play, as it represents the collective voice of the Theban people.
Overall, the structure of Antigone is carefully crafted to support the play's themes and to create a powerful and moving theatrical experience.