Final answer:
According to the Norton editors, it is true that Sophocles was interested in realistic characterization. His tragedies depict human heroes who must navigate divine forces while emphasizing human response and ethical responsibility, which aligns with realistic character portrayal.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Norton editors, Sophocles was interested in realistic characterization. This is true. Sophocles' tragedies, like Oedipus Rex and Antigone, are rooted in the fate of human heroes and their responses to divine interventions. While acknowledging the power of the gods, Sophocles focuses on the ethical and moral choices of his human characters. An example of this realism is Oedipus, a character who, instead of blaming fate or the gods, takes full responsibility for his actions despite their horrific outcomes. This embodiment of human virtues and flaws allows the audience to relate to the characters and their experiences on a deeper level. Sophocles, through his comprehensive understanding of human nature and the nuances of the human condition, essentially contributes to an early form of realism that resonates with modern drama's focus on relatability.