Polyneikes and Eteokles
These are the two sons of Oedipus (and brothers to Antigonick) and the former Kings of Thebes who agreed to rule in alternating years, sharing the throne. Ironically, Eteokles will not yield the throne to his brother and causes a rebellion army led by Polyneikes to attempt to siege the city. The brothers then kill one another in battle leaving the throne to Kreon.
Life
Antigonick is offered the chance to live by Kreon with one condition: she never attempts to bury her brother again. Ironically, she doesn't take the deal, as she will never believe that what Kreon is doing is right or just and she is sentenced to death.
Edict
Kreon has set forth an edict that no one is to bury Polyneikes, the son of Oedipus in order to maintain rule of Thebes by thwarting any thinking that overthrowing the King is worth plotting. Ironically, his edict causes him to lose not only his son Haemon but also his wife as they take their lives.
Royal Death
Eurydike, the Queen of Thebes isn't seen for much of this play. Ironically, once she learns of Haemon's death due to Kreon's sentencing Antigonick to death she takes her own life. Kreon's edict has cost him all of the people he loves.
Haemon
Kreon sentences Antigonick to death as she will not comply with his order to never touch her brother's body again. Ironically, his sentencing her to death causes the death of his son Haemon as he takes his own life once she is dead. Haemon loved Antigonick.
