In literature, we often see many literary elements that help build the story.

It helps show
the emotions and intentions of the characters. In Antigone, by Sophecles, it is obvious how the
author uses literary elements in his characters, especially the play being a Greek tragedy.
Including these elements helps the play more interesting. Sophecles uses literary devices in his
characters such making them the tragic hero and dynamic character to highlight the many social
issues found in the play, such as family v. loyalty.

One of the main social issues that is introduced in the play is loyalty v. civil
disobedience. After Antigone finds out her brother, Polyneiceis dies in battle, she goes forth and
speaks out about having a proper burial for him. But, she encounters a problem with Creon who
has just introduced a new law that goes against Antigone’s plan. Although, Antigone had many
barriers to get through, she stuck with her plan and buried her brother. This is an example of
family loyalty v. civil disobedience because Antigone chose to honor her family, knowing well
enough what her consequence might be.

Throughout the play Antigone sticks to what she believes and her family loyalty, which
makes her a tragic hero at the end because she died because of her undeniable loyalty to
herself and family. However, by the end, we do see her change her mind and question if she all
she did was worth it, which makes her a dynamic character by the end. Overall, however, she
goes for what she believes in despite the consequences for her actions.

Both of these literary elements, tragic hero and dynamic character, help the reader
understand Antigone’s actions towards society. They also explain how Sophecles uses these
elements to portray the theme of family loyalty v. civil disobedience. Sophecles uses these
literary elements to portray Antigone as a strong and independent woman who despite what
society is telling her to do, she still goes for what she believes in. This makes her a strong
character and helps the reader understand why she chose her family loyalty rather than go with
what society tells her to do.