Ismene: Ismene, Antigone's sister, serves as a foil to Antigone's determination to bury their brother, Polyneices. Ismene's fear and caution contrast sharply with Antigone's courage and sense of duty, highlighting Antigone's exceptional nature and her willingness to defy societal norms and laws for the sake of what she believes is right.
Haemon: Haemon, Creon's son and Antigone's betrothed, becomes an intermediary between Antigone and Creon. Haemon tries to persuade his father to reconsider his decision to punish Antigone, arguing for the importance of respecting justice and the gods' laws. Haemon's defense of Antigone and his willingness to stand up to his father demonstrate his moral integrity and provide a counterpoint to Creon's stubbornness and disregard for others' perspectives.
The Chorus: The Chorus of elders in Thebes serves as a collective voice that comments on the events and characters of the play. They represent the opinions of the general populace and provide a sense of communal perspective. Through their reactions and deliberations, the Chorus helps to shape the audience's perception of Antigone and Creon's actions.
Tiresias: Tiresias, a blind prophet, plays a pivotal role in the play by revealing the consequences of Creon's actions. Tiresias warns Creon that his disregard for the gods and his mistreatment of Antigone will bring divine punishment upon Thebes. This warning contributes to the growing tension and adds weight to the ethical considerations surrounding Antigone's situation.
The Guards and Messengers: The guards and messengers who deliver news and execute Creon's orders provide crucial information and perspectives that advance the plot and reveal the unfolding consequences of the characters' decisions. Their reports not only inform the characters onstage but also contribute to the audience's understanding of the dire implications of the conflict between Antigone and Creon.
By comparing and contrasting these minor characters with Antigone and Creon, the play underscores the complexity of moral dilemmas and highlights the consequences of individual choices and societal norms. These characters provide differing viewpoints and moral frameworks, allowing the audience to critically assess and judge the actions and motivations of the central figures in the play.