Antigone and IsmeneThe personalities of the two sisters; Antigone and Ismene are as different from each other as day and night. Antigone acts as a free spirit, a rebellious individual, while Ismene is content to recognize her limitations as a woman in a male-dominated society. In the Greek tragedy "Antigone", by Sophocles; Antigone learns that King Creon has refused to give a proper burial to the murdered Polyneices, brother of Ismene and Antigone. Enraged by this injustice, Antigone shares the tragic news with Ismene. From his first response: "No, I didn't hear anything" (344). Ismene reveals her passivity and helplessness in light of Creon's decree. Thus, from the beginning, Ismene is characterized as traditionally "feminine", a helpless woman who pays little attention to political affairs. Doubting the wisdom of her sister's plan to break the law and bury Polyneices, Ismene argues: We who are women should not contend with men; we who are weak are governed by the stronger, therefore we must obey....(346)Once again Ismene's words clearly express her weak, feminine and helpless character within her own dimensions. Antigone, not happy with her sister's response, scolds her sister for not participating in her crime and for her passivity, saying, "Put your life in order" (346). For Antigone no law could hinder a strong consideration of her brother's spirit, not even the punishment of a premature death. Ismene is more practical; knowing that the task is impossible, he feels that the situation is hopeless. It is surprising which of the two sisters is really guilty of these chronic accusations. Of coarse, Antigone acted so quickly, and failed to follow the advice of her moderate sister, Ismene. Instead, going against Creon's words, Antigone recklessly moves forward and breaks the law. Antigone is a fool, she must learn that such defiance, even when justified, is not conducive to longevity. Although Antigone is foolish, she is also courageous and motivated by her morals. Proper burial of the dead was, according to the Greeks, a prerequisite for the soul's entry into a permanent home. Therefore, perhaps Ismene is also foolish for her quick refusal to help Antigone carry out the task of properly burying Polyneices. Ismene seems decidedly hasty in accepting personal weakness. Perhaps, in some way, both sisters are guilty of the same tragic sins. Perhaps it is this recklessness, more contained in Ismene's case, that leads both sisters to their own destruction. To my surprise, there is a strange twist in the character of both sisters towards the end of the play. Antigone gives a rather contrasting interpretation