Aristotle once wrote in his great book Poetics about the traits of a typical tragic hero. These traits set them apart from the rest of the cast. Those traits are as follows: he is from a distinguished family, he is a good person, better than average, he experiences peripeteia (a reversal of circumstances - a movement from happiness to misery), and he makes a mistake (hamartia) which is usually a result of hubris. In Sophocles' play Antigone, Creon is the tragic hero. He displays all of the traits that Aristotle had listed and tries to do what is best for his people.

Creon had ruled Thebes after Oedipus was exiled. He remained king up until Oedipus's two sons, Eteocles and Polyneices, decided that they should have their fathers throne. Eteocles rules first and when it is Polyneices turn to rule, Eteocles refuses to give up the throne and...