Ismene and Antigone: Contrast and Complexity in Sophocles' 'Antigone'

Two central characters in Sophocles' 'Antigone' are Ismene and Antigone. While both sisters are driven by a deep sense of family loyalty, their personalities and approaches to the challenges they face are markedly different. This essay explores how Ismene and Antigone differ, focusing on their personalities, views on law and morality, courage and defiance, roles in family dynamics, and character development.

Personality and Temperament

Antigone: Antigone is strong-willed, passionate, and determined. She prioritizes her moral beliefs and familial duty over societal laws.

Ismene: In contrast, Ismene is more cautious and compliant. She embodies a more traditional view of gender roles and is less willing to challenge authority.

Views on Law and Morality

Antigone: She believes in the supremacy of divine law over human law. Antigone feels a moral obligation to honor her brother, viewing the burial as a sacred duty that must be fulfilled regardless of the king's decree.

Ismene: Ismene adheres to the laws of the state and believes in following Creon's orders. She is more concerned about self-preservation and the consequences of defiance, reflecting a pragmatic approach to their situation.

Courage and Defiance

Antigone: Her courage is evident as she actively defies Creon's orders and accepts the consequences of her actions. She is willing to sacrifice her life for what she believes is right, demonstrating her commitment to her principles.

Ismene: While Ismene ultimately supports Antigone, her initial response is one of fear and submission. She lacks the same level of courage to stand against authority and only later expresses solidarity with her sister.

Role in the Family Dynamics

Antigone: She takes on the role of the protector and avenger of their family's honor. Her actions are driven by a sense of duty to her deceased brother and loyalty to her family.

Ismene: Ismene represents a more passive role. She feels a sense of helplessness and often expresses regret for not being able to act alongside Antigone, highlighting her internal conflict and loyalty to her sister albeit in a more subdued manner.

Character Development

Antigone: Throughout the play, Antigone remains resolute in her beliefs, portraying a consistent character driven by her sense of justice.

Ismene: Ismene evolves slightly as the play progresses. By the end, she expresses regret for her earlier inaction and seeks to share in Antigone's fate, indicating her growth and deeper understanding of family loyalty.

Conclusion

Overall, Ismene and Antigone serve as foils to each other, highlighting themes of individual versus state, moral duty versus safety, and the complexities of familial loyalty. Their contrasting characteristics and choices deepen the play's exploration of these themes.