Final answer:
King Creon in 'Antigone' is best characterized as a strict and authoritarian ruler, related to Antigone and Haemon, whose rigid enforcement of his rules leads to tragic outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character of King Creon in Sophocles' Antigone is pivotal and complex. Creon's decisions and actions drive the plot and yield tragic consequences. In the context of the options provided, the best characterization of Creon's rule is strict and authoritarian. Creon is indeed related to Antigone, Ismene, and Haemon, and his pronouncements and edicts are met with fear and obedience from the populace, as he enforces his will without regard for personal ties or mercy, which eventually leads to his own downfall and personal tragedy. This portrayal aligns with the ancient Greek concept of leadership, which Aristotle discussed, emphasizing the high status of a king who, despite possessing power, could not escape fate or the consequences of his actions.