In his conversation with Teiresias, Creon reveals himself to be arrogant, stubborn, and cynical. Because the prophet advises him to reverse himself, bury Polyneices, and free Antigone, Creon assumes that Teiresias has been bribed and hurls insults at him:
Teiresias, it is a sorry thing when a wise man
Sells his wisdom, lets out his words for hire!
Creon also shows his arrogance when he declares that "if the great eagles of God himself" should intervene, he would not change his ruling: "I would not yield."
Teiresias tries again, warning Creon that his prophecy is so awful that Creon would not want to hear it. Even in this, Creon's arrogance asserts itself as he challenges Teiresias: "Whatever you say, you will not change my will." After hearing the prophecy, however, and remembering that Teiresias has never been wrong, Creon relents. It is very difficult for him to overcome his enormous pride. He declares, "Oh it is hard to give in!"
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