ANTIGONE,} _Daughters of Oedipus and Sisters of Polynices_
ISMENE, } _and Eteocles._
CHORUS _of Theban Elders._
CREON, _King of Thebes._
_A Watchman._
HAEMON, _Son of Creon, betrothed to Antigone._
TIRESIAS, _the blind Prophet._
_A Messenger._
EURYDICE, _the Wife of Creon._
_Another Messenger._
SCENE. Before the Cadmean Palace at Thebes.
_Note._ The town of Thebes is often personified as Thebè.
Polynices, son and heir to the unfortunate Oedipus, having been
supplanted by his younger brother Eteocles, brought an army of Argives
against his native city, Thebes. The army was defeated, and the two
brothers slew each other in single combat. On this Creon, the brother-
in-law of Oedipus, succeeding to the chief power, forbade the burial
of Polynices. But Antigone, sister of the dead, placing the dues of
affection and piety before her obligation to the magistrate, disobeyed
the edict at the sacrifice of her life. Creon carried out his will,
but lost his son Haemon and his wife Eurydice, and received their
curses on his head. His other son, Megareus, had previously been
devoted as a victim to the good of the state.