Creon's Face
The description of Creon, the King, says "his face is lined. He is tired." Although many men desire power, and are willing to die to acquire it, this depiction shows that power has consequences. Whereas Creon once loved art and music, he now solely lives to govern his people and "he wonders whether this business of being a leader of men is worth the trouble."
The Guards
The guards of Creon's Palace are described as "red-faced card players... the chew tobacco; one smells of garlic; another of beer." Later in the play, they are further described as having "idiot faces all bloated." This depiction suggests that the men are nearly animals, willing to follow any order that is presented to them. This turns out to be true, as they imprison Antigone.
Polynice's Body
While Creon authorized the dignified burial of Eteocles, he forbade the burial of Polynice. Instead, his body is left to rot in an open field with the unpleasant smiles wafting all the way over to the palace. Disturbed by the sight and smell of his decomposing body, Antigone attempts to bury him and therefore bestow dignity upon him. To prevent this, Creon posts the guards around the body. It is incredibly macabre imagery, and forces the reader to consider the ways in which we mourn and honor the dead.
Eurydice's Body
After all of her children have died, in part due to the obstinacy of her husband, Eurydice "put down her knitting calmly... she went up to her room and there ... she cut her throat." When her body is found "her smile is still the same." This is a conflicting image. On one hand, death and suicide are tragic occurrences. Yet, at the same time, Eurydice was only able to find peace and escape from her earthly torment through death. This image synthesizes the many occurrences of death and mourning featured throughout the play.
The Empty Palace
After Antigone's imprisonment, the first guard says "the people are crowding into the palace!" Creon responds "empty the palace!" This statement signals a foreshadowing, for after Antigone has killed herself, Creon has no family remaining. Finally then the palace is described as empty.
