Antigone Daughter of Oedipus. She defies a civil law forbidding the burial of Polynices, her brother, in order to uphold the divine law requiring that the dead be put to rest with proper rituals.
Ismene Sister of Antigone, daughter of Oedipus. She timidly refuses to join her sister in disobeying the civil law, but later wants to join her in death.
Creon King of Thebes, brother-in-law of Oedipus, uncle of Polynices, Antigone, and Ismene. His strict order to leave Polynices’ body unburied and his refusal to admit the possibility that he is wrong bring about the events of the tragedy.
Haemon Son of Creon, promised in marriage to Antigone. He argues calmly for Antigone’s release, but meets with angry rejection.
A Sentry Who brings news of the attempted burial of Polynices.
Tiresias The blind prophet who advised Laius and Oedipus, before Creon. His auguries show that the gods are angered by Creon’s decision to leave Polynices unburied.
Eurydice Queen of Thebes, wife of Creon. On hearing of the death of her son, she kills herself.
A Messenger A man who tells of the deaths of Antigone, Haemon, and Eurydice.
Chorus The elders of Thebes and their Leader. They listen loyally to Creon and rebuke Antigone, but advise the king to change his mind when Tiresias warns of the gods’ punishment.
