This classic Greek tragedy by Sophocles is moved to the fictional Fort Thebes at the end of the US Civil War. It is a war which has pitted brother against brother, and Antigone's own brothers have just killed each other in battle. The new fort commander, Colonel Creon, proclaims that one brother, loyal to the Union, will be buried a hers. The traitorous other, loyal to the Confederate South, will be left unburied to be picked over by the vultures and dogs. Anyone defying these order are ordered to be shot by firing squad.

Fierce, yet calmly determined, Antigone tries to provide a decent burial for her "traitorous" brother against the wishes of the fort commander. When she is caught, Creon sentences her to death. Other soldiers, an old wise-woman, and even his own son, Haemon, who loves Antigone, plead and warn the Colonel against such actions. Creon refuses to amend his order, thereby continuing the course he has chosen, bringing about a catastrophic conclusion.