Sophocles created Creon as an archetypal character. It is signified by the fact that the king seems to be a typical villain. Everything he does is pointed against Antigone. She is just a loving sister who wants to honor her family member. Therefore, Creon, with his stubbornness and unfair decisions, would always be recognized as a villain.
In Antigone, Creon appears to become the new king of Thebes after the two rightful rules killed each other. He passes the law that forbids burying the body of one of the brothers. Polynices is meant to be left outside, but Antigone, his sister, cannot leave it like that. She sneaks out and breaks the law to give Polynices a proper burial ritual. Creon decides to punish her with death and refuses to change his mind. Many people try to reason with him, but the king’s pride does not allow him to give up. In case he listened and made a fair decision, his perception of manhood would be ruined. Therefore, the audience has all the rights to hate this character.
It leads to the conclusion that Creon is the bad guy. His flaws cause many tragic deaths later on that could have been avoided. The king’s philosophy almost seems unethical as he disrespects death itself. Not only he refuses to bury Polynices body according to traditions, but he also orders to entomb Antigone for her crimes. There are all the signs that Creon is a villain in the play. Besides, his character is so typical that he could be recognized as an antihero in any other play. All that makes him an archetypal character.
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