Topic > The character of Ismene in Sophocles' Antigone

Antigone feels as if Ismene is betraying her and their family because she will not agree to help her bury their brother. Towards the end of the play, Ismene changes her mind and tries to claim that she helped Antigone bury Polyneices so that he could die with his sister. Antigone became angry: “Do not try to share my death or claim responsibility for actions you did not perform. I will die, and that will be enough for me” (Sophocles 625). Antigone is upset that Ismene didn't help her from the beginning, but now she wants to take the blame. She feels as if Ismene has been disloyal to her and their family; therefore he does not forgive Ismene for what she has done. This is considered a symbol of when Ismene disowned Antigone. Now Antigone disowns Ismene. On the other hand, Creon adores Ismene for remaining faithful to him and his rules. Creon realizes that she has been very obedient and appreciates it. At the end of the play he decides to spare Ismene instead of killing her