Antigone

Ancient Greek tragedies usually involved a major character. One of this character's flaws causes a chain of events that leads to his or her downfall. Such is true of the story of Antigone. Antigone's own desires her selfish and blind to reason leading to her early demise.

Antigone insists "[her] brother she will bury" and no less for she is "no traitress." Ismene, Antigone's sister, tries to convince here it's unreasonable. The consequences of being caught going against the king's orders of leaving him to rot are too great to risk. All of their family is dead and they shouldn't "fall like the rest." But, Antigone's desires make her immune to Ismene's reasoning. Antigone will not meet Ismene's needs that are much more attainable and will end up being more fulfilling. Without thinking, Antigone goes to bury her brother.

Ismene's plea was not enough to stop Antigone. Attempting to "[bury] the man that [Creon] forbade", Antigone is caught, arrested, mand brought before the king, Creon. Creon offers for her to be "loosed from the burden of [the] heavy charge" as long as she does not attempt to do so again. Many would jump off this offer, but Antigone refuses. She would only go out and try again. Antigone would rather be locked up or executed than to simply follow the king's rules. She declares him an enemy before she listens to him. He begs her to let him pity her but she says no. She is only going to die in the end.

Antigone's selfish wishes make her deaf to the voice of reason. She jumps to irrational decisions thinking only about what she will gain and not what's best for everyone around her. She not only destroys what left of her family but her love's family as well. Her tragic cannot be blamed on anyone but herself.