In order to develop the character of Antigone, who is the protagonist, Sophocles uses other characters, plot events, and dramatic events. The first thing we see is the comparison of Antigone with her sister Ismene. Antigone and Ismene are complete opposites. Antigone is more of a rebel, and family oriented, whilst Ismene stays loyal to the King's authority. Antigone believes she has an obligation to her family, specifically to her late brother Polyneices, to give him a proper burial. It is seen further that the sisters are a direct reflection of the two brothers who died fighting each other. Polyneices and Antigone are rebels, and Eteocles and Ismene are loyal to the King. Sophocles further develops Antigone through the exposition of the play. In the exposition it describes the tragedies of both Oedipus and Jocasta, the siblings parents, and Polyneices and Eteocles. Giving this background to her family helps to further her development as a character. As stated above, Antigone and Polyneices value family/divine loyalty over civil obedience. Knowing this, it can be inferred that Antigone will go to great lengths in order to maintain this loyalty to her family and the divine, even if she is put to death like Polyneices. Lastly, it can be seen through stage directions the further explanation of Antigone's character. In the beginning stage directions, it is seen that Antigone takes Ismene to the outside of his palace, and she explains her plans to break Creon's laws. This shows that she rebels against the King's authority. Also, Antigone is "leading" Ismene out of the palace to talk to her about this, which further shows that she is strong. In the ending stage directions, Antigone walks away from the palace while Ismene slowly walks back to it. This further shows that Antigone is a rebel and Ismene is obedient to the King.
Hope this helps!!
- Kay