Sophocles' Antigone is a text rich in layers of meaning. In this essay I intend to unravel some of these layers to establish the extent to which Antigone is responsible for her tragic end. I will argue that the protagonist is responsible for her own actions, actions which by her choice result in her death. The catalyst for said death, however, is the result of other characters and events. I will focus specifically on Creon's edict and its role in the tragedy, as it is the juxtaposition of their beliefs, which results in both of their tragic endings. Throughout the essay I will analyze the academic works on the topic, as well as the events contained in the text itself, in order to evaluate Antigone's ultimate responsibility. First, I will examine the character of Creon, such as his denial of Polyneices' burial rites. it is what serves as the catalyst for Antigone's actions. The story begins with a conversation between Antigone and her blood sister Ismene who talk about the tragic death of their two brothers. Antigone tells her sister the fate of the two brothers, that one's body must be respected, while the other must "have no complaints, but be left buried and without tears" (Sophocles. Antigone.20-30). This initial event is what ignites Antigone's determined mindset to find her brother and honor him with the righteous rites of the dead. However, some scholars argue that Creon has every right, as ruler of Thebes, to deny some people a proper burial. Kerri Hame and Vincent Rosivach both support this idea in their analyzes of Antigone. Hame (2008, 7-8) notes the legitimacy of Creon's claim not to have Polyneices buried – if it had not been on Theban soil. Rosivach (1983, 193) highlights the refusal to bury the traitors and looters of the temple, referring...... to the center of the card......I have learned to see what is right – but too late” ( Sophocles. Antigone. 1260 -1280). This then shows that fate is yet another factor that influences Antigone's depiction of guilt exclusively. Ultimately, I find Antigone to be a play that can be interpreted in many different ways. Through the examination of characters, events and academic arguments I have attempted to demonstrate that the catalyst for Antigone's tragic end comes from Creon's edict, an edict which as a ruler he has the right to issue – but which Sophocles ultimately forces Creon to recognize as wrong. However, while the actions and events leading up to this event cause Antigone to ignore the law to pay for her brother's burial rites, her treatment of Creon and acceptance of her fate must demonstrate that she herself represents a dignified share of responsibility. for his own death.