Respect for Divine and Moral Laws: Antigone believes in upholding the divine laws and moral principles set by the gods. She considers it her religious duty to bury her brother Polynices, who was denied proper burial by Creon's decree. Creon, on the other hand, disregards the divine laws to maintain his authority.
Loyalty to Family Values: Antigone values family ties and loyalty to her kin. She is willing to risk her own life to honor her brother and fulfill her duty as a sister, despite the consequences. In contrast, Creon prioritizes the authority of the state over family bonds, leading to a conflict with Antigone.
Civil Disobedience for Justice: Antigone exhibits courage in defying Creon's unjust edict, knowing the potential repercussions. She believes that natural laws and justice supersede man-made laws when they are morally questionable. Creon, on the other hand, is rigid and unwilling to listen to alternative perspectives, leading to tragic consequences.
Consequences and Selflessness: Antigone recognizes the consequences of her actions and is prepared to face them, even if it means sacrificing her own life. She prioritizes her conscience and ethical principles over self-preservation. Creon, however, is more concerned with maintaining his power and authority, even if it results in the suffering of individuals.
Revelation and Realization: Creon eventually experiences a change of heart and realizes his mistakes, but only after witnessing the tragic outcomes of his actions. Antigone, on the other hand, remains consistent in her beliefs throughout the play, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to moral principles.
While both Creon and Antigone hold strong beliefs, Antigone's actions are driven by a sense of justice, respect for divine laws, and unwavering loyalty to her family. Creon's actions, although rooted in his duty as king, are clouded by his pride, political ambitions, and failure to consider the moral implications of his decisions. As a result, Antigone emerges as the more moral character in the play.