Antigone is the woman who defends what she believes in with her beliefs and the actions she takes. Antigone says, "Thy edict, King, was strong, / But all thy strength is weakness itself against, / They are not only now: they were, and will be, / Operative for ever, entirely beyond man" (1:68-72). . Antigone's courageous behavior continues from the beginning of the story to the end of the play. Antigone standing up for what she believed in makes her a role model for women in that time period. Women did not have the opportunity to be able to speak in public and express their feelings towards situations. Women during that time were expected to keep their opinions to themselves. Creon has difficulty keeping Antigone silent throughout the play. Creon says: “Let us therefore observe the laws and the legislators, /and no woman will seduce us. If we have to lose, let's at least lose to one man! Is a woman stronger than us? (3.50-51). The death of Antigone's brother offers a positive outlook on women's lives during that time. Although Antigone matures over the course of the story, it becomes more apparent later on how strong-willed she is and how protective she is of her family. As she becomes more comfortable in her role as the outspoken woman, she begins to become the caring/heroine/strong-willed woman.