ANTIGONE,her hands clasped round her knees, sits on thetop step. The THREE GuARDSsit on the steps, in a smallgroup, playing cards. The Cm.us stands on the top step.EuRYDICEsits on the top step, ;ust left of center, knitting.The NuRsE sits on the second step, left of EURYDICE.lsMENEstands in front of arch, left, facing HAEMON,whostand,s left of her. CREONsits in the chair at right end ofthe t'able, his arm over the shoulder of his PAGE,who sitson the stool beside his chair. The MESSENGERis leaningagainst the downstage portal of the right arch.The curtain rises slowly; then the CHORUS turns andmoves downstage.
Immediately, the stage directions describe where each character is positioned, establishing their relationships and the tension behind the scene. Creon is seated with his Page, which shows his authority and control. Meanwhile, Antigone is sitting apart from the others. The Guards are playing cards which creates this casual feeling, contrasting with the more serious situation surrounding Antigone.