Antigone

Antigone presents a paradox because her actions appear to be done from love of her family yet when Ismene offers to share the guilt/pain with antigone, Antigone rebuffs her and says that Ismene did not take the same risk and therefore does not deserve to share the honor. Although Antigone and Ismene are sisters they are very different. Antigone sees things in black and white, either Ismene is a "true sister" or a "traitor to her family". Antigone cannot see that Ismene is scared of the consequences and feels helpless/powerless to take action against Creon because she fears retribution. Ismene does not approve of what Antigone is doing, Ismene thinks Antigone's choice is reckless and Antigone doesn't realize how it will after other people. However, Ismene still appreciates what Antigone is trying to do for their brother, saying Antigone is "a loyal friend indeed to those who love you." On the other hand, Antigone is calls Ismene a traitor and is very harsh towards her. Antigone cannot see the middle ground that Ismene sees. Antigone see only that Ismene is not helping her not that Ismene is praising her courage, risking her own safety by promising to no tell anyone what Antigone is doing, and possible yearning to have the strength to help Antigone and honor her brother.