In Sophocles' play Antigone, at first glance readers assume that Antigone is the tragic hero. However, this is not the case. Although Antigone displays some characteristics of a tragic hero, I believe that Creon is the true tragic hero. It may be a challenge for many readers to see Creon as the tragic hero; however, when you take a second look at the play, you can see that Creon displays all the qualities of a tragic hero. Creon's power and pride, as well as going against the gods, lead to his downfall which in return helps him become a tragic hero. In the article “The Common Man as Tragic Hero: A Study of the Death of a Salesman by Author Miller” , Kritika Nanda states, “…according to Aristotle a tragic hero must be someone of noble stature. He believed that common men of lower rank were unable to create enough impact to clear away repressed emotions. He very boldly held the view that men of noble birth and elite were the most appropriate class to effect catharsis. As demonstrated by this quote, a tragic hero is a high-status individual whose flaws lead to tragedy, but allow the character to have a point of self-realization. Therefore, Creon, not Antigone, is the true tragic hero of the play. In the beginning Creon is portrayed as a rather wealthy and powerful individual. As a result, everyone follows his orders. This is demonstrated when the people of his kingdom follow his orders regarding Polyneices' burial. In the play, when Creon states that Polynecieus will have no burial, the leader of the chorus, Choragos, responds by saying, "If this is your will, Creon son of Menoceus, you have the right to impose it: we are yours." ” (Scene 1, 174-175). This indicates that… middle of the card… attitude and inability to listen causes his life to spiral out of control and he loses everything. Even though he has made many mistakes, at the end of the play Creon realizes how much his actions have cost him. Creon is forced to live with his actions and, as a result, is the tragic hero of the play. Works Cited Nanda K. “The Common Man as Tragic Hero: A Study of the Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller.” Indian Streams Research Journal [serial online]. November 2013; 3(10):1-2. Available from: Academic Search Premier, Ipswich, MA. Accessed December 5, 2013.Shapiro, H.A. “The Wrath of Creon: Burial Withheld in Homer and Sophocles.” Helios 33. (2006): 119-134. Premier of academic research. Network. 5 December 2013.Sophocles. “Antigone.” Literature: reading, reacting, writing. Ed. Laurie G. Kirzner and Stephen R. Mandell. 8th ed. Boston: Wadsworth, 2013. 1802-1833. Press.