The theme of the tragic hero in "Antigone" by Sophocles is complex, with both Antigone and Creon displaying characteristics of this archetype. A tragic hero is typically a character who experiences a downfall due to a fatal flaw or error in judgment. In "Antigone," both characters exhibit traits that lead to their respective downfalls, making the play a rich exploration of tragedy.

Antigone is often seen as a tragic hero in a modern sense. She is a principled character who stands by her convictions, even when they lead to her death. Her flaw is her unwavering strength and determination to do what she believes is right, which ultimately leads to her demise. Despite knowing the consequences, she chooses to bury her brother Polynices, defying Creon's edict. Her actions are driven by loyalty, courage, and faith, values highly regarded by the Ancient Greeks. Antigone's tragic flaw, or hamartia, is her stubborn pride, which propels her toward her tragic end. She boldly declares her actions as just, despite the risks involved. In the prologue, she tells her sister Ismene:

You have made your choice, you can be what you want to be.
But I will bury him; and if I must die,
I say that this crime is holy: I shall lie down
With him in death, and I shall be as dear
To him as he to me. It is the dead
Not the living, who make the longest demands:
We die for ever…
You may do as you like
Since apparently the laws of the god mean nothing to you. (Prologue)

Creon, on the other hand, fits the traditional mold of a tragic hero as defined by Aristotle. He is a noble figure whose downfall results from his hubris, or excessive pride. Creon's rigid adherence to the law and refusal to heed advice lead to his tragic realization and suffering. He believes that upholding the law equates to justice, but this belief blinds him to the moral implications of his actions. His decision to punish Antigone sets off a chain of events that result in the deaths of Antigone, his son Haemon, and his wife Eurydice. Creon's tragic flaw is his inability to see beyond his own convictions until it is too late, leaving him to endure the consequences of his actions. As he laments:

CREON: . . . And on my head I feel the heavy weight
Of crushing Fate.

While Antigone's actions are driven by a sense of duty and morality, Creon's are rooted in a misguided sense of justice. Both characters are tragic heroes in their own right, each bringing about their own ruin through their respective flaws. Antigone's steadfastness and Creon's hubris highlight the complexities of human nature and the tragic consequences of their choices. The play ultimately serves as a poignant exploration of the tragic hero archetype, with both Antigone and Creon embodying different aspects of this timeless theme.