updated 8-12-02

Project 3

A Character Analysis

Background

Greek writers often chose to show how characters are led into their adventures and/or conflicts by their most important or interesting quality.  For example, Perseus ends up doing heroic deeds because of his sense of responsibility toward women in trouble, while Heracles' overweening arrogance is the cause of all his woes.  

In Sophocles' play, Antigonê, the central characters also find themselves being propelled inexorably toward their fates because of the very qualities that make them interesting:  they may be stubborn, dutiful, gentle, arrogant, torn between emotion and reason, and so on.  

In order to complete this project, first choose the character that most interested you in Sophocles' play Antigonê.  Then choose an adjective that you feel best describes the most important or interesting quality of that character.  Remember that although many of the characters have several important qualities, you should focus on just one of them for this paper.

Goal

Your goal is to show how a character's most interesting or important quality can both cause admiration and lead to trouble.  

Research

Study the poetry and explanations in the textbook.  You may do an Antigonê Treasure Hunt if you feel you need more information.

Product

Write a short paper, about 2-4 pages, that tells why you chose this character and this quality as the most important or interesting.  Cite and discuss three or four passages from the play that show this quality in action.  Be sure to include line numbers as you quote from the play.