What tragic realization does Creon face at the end of the play?

The tragic realization that Creon faces at the end of the play is that he has caused irreparable harm to his family. Throughout the narrative, Creon's rigid adherence to his laws and his unwillingness to listen to others lead to catastrophic consequences. He makes a series of decisions that ultimately result in the deaths of his loved ones: his son Haemon and his wife, Eurydice, both take their lives as a result of the fallout from his orders regarding Antigone.

In the final moments of the play, as Creon discovers the full extent of his losses—his son’s suicide followed by the grief-driven death of his wife—he is left to grapple with the devastating impact of his actions. This acknowledgment of his responsibility for the deaths of his family members marks a significant moment of tragedy and personal suffering. Unlike the other choices, which may reflect aspects of his character or situational consequences, the harm to his family underscores the emotional and moral gravity of Creon’s choices, showcasing the play's central themes of fate, responsibility, and the tragic consequences of pride.