Character Foils In Antigone

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In Antigone, character foils help the play by creating well-rounded characters. Many traits of Antigone and Creon, the two main characters, would be impossible to notice without the contrast of their character foils. Ismene and Haemon act as foils to Antigone and Creon, respectively. By juxtaposing these pairs against each other, we gain more insight on the play’s plot, themes, characters, and character relationships. Antigone and Ismene, although sisters, are almost opposites. While Antigone is bold, proud, and stubborn, Ismene is timid, obedient, and scared. She warns Antigone that “[she’s] too rash” with her decision to bury Polynieces after Creon outlaws his burial, to which Antigone responds “[Creon] has no right to keep me from what’s mine.” While both of them make good arguments, they refuse to …show more content…

In Act II, when they argue their definitions of wisdom in an attempt to come to an understanding about Antigone’s punishment, Creon and Haemon subtly expose the theme. The Chorus Leader stresses that “[t]he most important part of true success is wisdom - not to act impiously towards the gods, for boasts of arrogant men bring on great blows of punishment - s in old age men can discover wisdom.” By stating this at the very end of the play, these words leave a lasting impression on the reader or audience member. While many other literary devices could have been used to delve deeper into Creon and Antigone’s personalities, character foils are truly the best for the play. Because this work of literature is meant to be performed, character foils allow the nuances of the characters to be revealed while performing, which is essential for a play. Even when the play just begins, we can see how Antigone behaves based off of how she reacts to Ismene. This idea applies to Creon as well. Character foils help to strengthen Antigone into the classic work of literature it has become

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