How does Sophocles convey the theme of fate versus free will in "Antigone"?

Sophocles conveys the theme of fate versus free will primarily through the characters' struggles with their destinies and the choices they make. In "Antigone," the characters are often faced with the consequences of their decisions, which are deeply intertwined with the predetermined fate laid out for them by the gods. For instance, Antigone's decision to defy Creon's edict and bury her brother Polynices highlights her exercise of free will, yet it is set against the backdrop of a fate that has already been set in motion by her family's tragic history.

The tension between the characters' desires and the inevitable outcomes reinforces the idea that while humans may have the ability to make choices, those choices can lead them to fulfill their fated paths. Antigone's actions lead to catastrophic results, emphasizing how individual choices intersect with divine fate. This exploration showcases the complexity of human existence, where free will and fate operate in tandem, shaping the narrative and deepening the thematic richness of the play.

In contrast, options that focus solely on philosophical ideas, random chance, or social structure do not capture the deeper interplay of personal agency against a backdrop of fate, which is at the heart of Sophocles' narrative.