The two protagonists of Antigone In the classic model of dramatic structure, two characters move the action of the work from the introduction to the climax up to the resolution of their conflict . One of these characters is the protagonist; the other is the antagonist. The protagonist is generally considered the "good guy" and the antagonist is the "bad guy". In Sophocles' Antigone the line between protagonist and antagonist is blurred. In the Greek tradition, the title character is the protagonist, but in this play the supposed antagonist Creon also displays characteristics of the protagonist. Webster's Dictionary defines protagonist as "one who takes the leading part in a drama; hence, one who takes the command." in some great scene, undertaking, conflict or the like." At first glance, Antigone seems to fit this description best. Her actions and the following consequences certainly form the plot of the play. She first decides to bury her dead brother in violation of the edict of Creon. When the soldiers of Thebes dig up the body, she returns to bury it a second time. She is caught in the act and brought before Creon, who sentences her to death in prison as a last attempt to thwart Creon's plans. Ontigone's refusal to leave her brother's body unburied even after burying him once reveals her stubborn streak, a common trait among the protagonists The fact that Creon is about to release her from prison when her corpse is discovered is another example of stubbornness. He will not give in to adversity or conflict under any circumstances, which is both admirable and, in Antigone's case, fatal. Creon is portrayed as a stern leader who believes in respecting his laws over those of the gods. He is not... middle of paper... plot, and Creon directs the consequences. Antigone is in conflict with Creon the antagonist, and Creon is in conflict with Antigone the antagonist. Antigone dies tragically because of her flaws, and Creon realizes his mistakes and suffers greatly because of his flaws. Both Creon and Antigone are protagonists. They are both main characters essential to the plot and both maintain the traditional role. Sophocles may not have wanted the audience to see both characters as protagonists, but that is the logical conclusion. Now, if you were to ask for the real antagonist to come forward, you would most likely realize that the real antagonists have already come forward. Works Cited: Sophocles. Antigone. Trans. Robert Fagles. Literature and the writing process. Elizabeth McMahan, Susan X. Day and Robert Funk. 6th. and. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice, 2002.