In the play "Antigone" by Sophocles, the character of Creon is the King of Thebes and holds a lot of power within the play. Throughout the play, Creon displays several characteristics that help to shape his role in the story.
One of the main characteristics of Creon is his arrogance and pride. As the King of Thebes, Creon sees himself as the ultimate authority and is unwilling to listen to the opinions or advice of others. He dismisses the warnings of the chorus, who try to caution him against his harsh treatment of Antigone, and refuses to consider the possibility that he might be wrong. This arrogance ultimately leads to his downfall as it blinds him to the consequences of his actions.
Another characteristic of Creon is his stubbornness. Once he has made up his mind about something, he is unwilling to change it, even in the face of evidence to the contrary. This is seen when he refuses to allow Antigone to bury her brother, Polynices, even though it is a sacred duty and a deeply held belief for Antigone. Creon's stubbornness also leads to his inability to listen to the advice of others, as he is unwilling to consider any alternative viewpoints.
In addition to his arrogance and stubbornness, Creon is also depicted as being ruthless and cruel. He is willing to go to great lengths to maintain his power and authority, even if it means committing acts of violence or injustice. This is seen when he orders Antigone to be buried alive, a punishment that is both inhumane and goes against the laws and customs of Thebes.
Despite these negative characteristics, Creon is not entirely unsympathetic. Throughout the play, he is shown to be deeply conflicted and struggling with the weight of his responsibilities as King. He is torn between his duty to maintain order and protect the city, and his desire to be fair and just. This internal conflict ultimately leads to his downfall, as he is unable to reconcile his conflicting desires.
In conclusion, the character of Creon in "Antigone" is complex and multifaceted. He is characterized by his arrogance, stubbornness, cruelty, and internal conflict. These characteristics help to shape his role in the play and contribute to the overall themes and message of the work.