When we first see the messenger, his humorous babbling provides relief from the tension growing between Creon and the Choragos. His informal diction contrasts with the formality of Creon’s speech as his thoughts tumble out, headlong.

“...[I]f you let someone else get the news to Creon first, it will be [bad] for you!”

But good sense won out, at least I hope it was good s

Despite the comic overtones, the sentry’s role in the play is a serious one: he relates the story of Antigone’s crime to Creon, and acts as a sort of common man moral judge. Because of the three unities, Antigone’s actions in burying her brother cannot be shown on stage. Thus, the sentry must re-create the picture for both Creon and the audience. His description of the “slimy flesh”... “covered...Just enough for the ghost’s peace” raises our sympathies at the same time it provides Creon’s first test of will as the new king. Without the sentry’s news, Creon faces no real conflict and the play cannot move forward. Thus, the sentry’s role is integral to the plot.

story that makes no sense at all; but I’ll tell it anyhow, because, as they say, what’s

going to happen is going to happen, and— (701)

The sentry rattles on and on, amusing the audience, annoying Creon and failing altogether to actually tell his news. When told by Creon to “come to the point” (701), the sentry bursts out “I did not do it, I did not see who did it. You must not punish me for what someone else has done” (702). Repeatedly, he denies involvement with the crime, without ever actually saying what the crime is. Obviously, he’s very afraid of being blamed, in a kill-the-messenger sort of way, and his descprition of an entire troop of fearless soldiers shooting dice in panic over who has to tell the king—and his own “bad luck” in losing the toss—bot

Some topics in this essay:
Creon Choragos, Creon Chorus, Antigone Creon, Common Values, sentry’s role, 701 sentry,