Discuss the different characterizations of Antigone, Creon, and Ismene in Antigone.

While they are connected to one another in the drama, each
of the characters possess some distinctly different traits.  Creon is shown as a male
ruler of the time period.  He believes in the rule of the political realm and that what
is declared as law must be seen as justice.  In addition to this belief that the law is
justice, Creon is autocratic, with no other limitations or checks to his
power:

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Holding on to power and suppressing rebellion of
any kind are Creon's main objectives when he orders Polyneices to remain unburied. When
notified by a sentry that someone has defied his order, he holds the sentry responsible
until the culprit is caught. Creon is unbending and will not listen to the advice of his
elders (the Chorus) or Teiresias, the prophet. He is an autocrat, an absolute
ruler.

When the analysis
shifts to Antigone, the primary division in the drama emerges.  Antigone believes that
the law might not be the same as justice, with its pursuit being of a higher caliber. 
Antigone's quest to honor her brother in a just and honorable fashion puts her on a
collision course with Creon, with both being unrelenting in their beliefs.  Antigone
demonstrates the idea that social and political dissent must be acknowledged within a
political setting if individuals prove to be committed to ideas that go against the
Status Quo:

By defying Creon's edict, she
[Antigone] is showing her faith and sense of duty to her family. She personifies the
belief that family and human relations should be placed above politics. Antigone is
committed to her ideals.

Antigone also represents
the non- traditional view of women, in that women could use their voice in political
manners.  For Ismene, her characterization is one that embraces the traditional role of
women in terms of being consensus driven and subservient to the political structure of
the time.  In this respect, she is the opposite of her
sister:

Ismene
acts as a foil for Antigone; while she demonstrates a woman living according to the
traditional rules governing the behavior and status of Athenian women, Antigone
represents a pioneering woman who governs herself according to a sense of personal
empowerment and self-reliance.