Coriolanus Characters
The main characters in Coriolanus are Coriolanus, Aufidius, Volumnia, Menenius, and Cominius.
- Coriolanus is the protagonist. A Roman military leader of the patrician class, his immense pridefulness proves his tragic undoing.
- Aufidius is the general of the Volscians. Although he is initially Coriolanus's sworn enemy, the two men respect each other and later join forces.
- Volumnia is Coriolanus's mother. She embodies the principles of the Roman Republic and proves to be a powerful rhetorician in her dealings with her son.
- Menenius is Coriolanus's friend. He is a fellow patrician, but his comparatively moderate character keeps his aristocratic views in check.
- Cominius is the Roman military commander.
Characters
Coriolanus
Caius Marcius, known as Coriolanus starting from Act 2, stands as the central character and tragic hero of the play. Raised in a tradition of public service and personal pride by his formidable mother, Volumnia, he exhibits a nobility that extends beyond his noble birth. His defining trait is an intense pride that often borders on arrogance. Coriolanus is indifferent to wealth and shows little interest in attaining the consulship, considering his own worth sufficient without public acclaim. His distaste for praise stems from a general aversion to being discussed, particularly by the common people of Rome, whom he regards with thinly veiled contempt.
Coriolanus does not fit the mold of the classic Roman hero such as Brutus or Cincinnatus, as his egotism overshadows his patriotism. Shakespeare portrays him as a man whose loyalty to the state is undermined by his pride, ultimately leading to his downfall. His fierce pride also manifests in his alliance with Tullus Aufidius to avenge the wrongs he suffered from Rome, showcasing his inability to suppress his disdain long enough to secure the consulship, which results in his banishment.
Despite the banishment, his mother’s influence remains strong. Volumnia’s formidable presence shapes Coriolanus into a confident and single-minded individual. Though he initially resists her counsel to win public favor, he eventually capitulates to her will, agreeing to broker peace between the Volscians and Romans. This act of submission leaves him broken, leading to his inevitable demise as a traitor branded by both nations.
He is ultimately an isolated figure, his significant valor and pride setting him apart from the classic heroes of Roman lore. (Read extended character analysis for Coriolanus.)
Volumnia
Volumnia, Coriolanus’s mother, embodies the ideals of a noble Roman matron, instilling in her son a fierce personal pride and a brutal streak. Her commitment to her son’s reputation often overshadows his welfare, as she prioritizes his heroic status above his life. She initially appears as a stereotypical embodiment of Roman values, yet reveals herself to be strategic and adaptable, her negotiation with Coriolanus demonstrating her pivotal role in the narrative. Her character is complex, demonstrating both maternal affection and an unyielding will to impose her ideals upon her son.
She dominates the household, including her son and daughter-in-law, Virgilia, and expresses pride in her grandson's perceived ruthlessness. Volumnia’s influence is profound, as she manipulates Coriolanus to avert bloodshed in Rome, though she appears oblivious to the strain her expectations place upon him. Her relief at saving Rome seems to overshadow any regret for Coriolanus’s resulting desolation and death. (Read extended character analysis for Volumnia.)
Aufidius
Tullus Aufidius, the Volscian general, is characterized by a volatile temperament. Initially engaged in a bitter feud with Coriolanus, he desires nothing more than his adversary’s demise. Yet, when Coriolanus seeks refuge among the Volscians, Aufidius welcomes him as a brother. This alliance, however, sours as Aufidius grows resentful of Coriolanus’s influence over his troops, which undermines his own leadership.
Despite his ambitions, Coriolanus’s decision to mediate peace with Rome infuriates Aufidius, leading him to conspire against Coriolanus. Even in orchestrating his enemy's downfall, Aufidius acknowledges Coriolanus’s nobility posthumously. His character is primarily defined by his shifting loyalties and his role as a brave, if somewhat envious, Volscian leader. (Read extended character analysis for Aufidius.)
Menenius Agrippa
Menenius Agrippa, a witty and sensible senator, serves as Coriolanus’s confidant and a voice of moderation. A jovial figure, he attempts to temper Coriolanus’s impulsive nature for the latter’s own benefit. Although he treats the common people with a paternalistic disdain, Menenius often acts as...
(This entire section contains 1494 words.)
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a mediator, striving to balance the radical actions of the tribunes with Coriolanus’s aristocratic pride.
Menenius sees Coriolanus almost as a son and is deeply affected by his banishment. His efforts to influence Coriolanus are ultimately thwarted, leading to a poignant moment when his appeals are ignored at the Volscian camp. (Read extended character analysis for Menenius.)
Virgilia
Virgilia, the wife of Coriolanus, embodies virtues such as integrity, composure, and tenderness, contrasting sharply with the more ruthless dispositions of her family. Often described as "my gracious silence" by her husband, her character is marked by her devotion and love for Coriolanus. Despite her aversion to the public and political sphere, she stands by her husband in times of need, joining Volumnia at the Volscian camp to plead for Rome's salvation.
Her gentle nature and quiet dignity often provoke criticism from Volumnia, yet they illustrate the softer side of the warrior Coriolanus. Her presence highlights themes of familial loyalty and the personal cost of public conflicts, showcasing her as one of the few characters to genuinely care for Coriolanus beyond his military prowess.
Cominius
Cominius, a senior general of Rome and commander of its forces against the Volscians, plays a supportive role to Coriolanus. A dignified leader, he generously extols Coriolanus’s valor and achievements in the field, addressing both senate and soldiers with speeches that celebrate his deeds. Despite Coriolanus overshadowing him in bravery, Cominius bears no resentment, mourning Coriolanus’s banishment and offering to accompany him into exile.
His character is an example of loyalty and respect within the Roman military hierarchy, highlighting the high regard in which Coriolanus is held even among his superiors. (Read extended character analysis for Cominius.)
Sicinius Velutus
Sicinius Velutus, a tribune of the plebeians, is characterized by his cunning and political maneuvering. He harbors a deep-seated animosity toward Coriolanus, using his position to undermine him at every opportunity. His contempt for Coriolanus and the aristocracy is evident, and he is portrayed as lacking in positive virtues.
Sicinius’s actions are instrumental in the uprising that leads to Coriolanus’s banishment, and he embodies the political discord and class antagonism present in the play. Menenius and Coriolanus treat him with disdain, reflecting the tension between the ruling class and the tribunes. (Read extended character analysis for the tribunes.)
Junius Brutus
Junius Brutus, fellow tribune alongside Sicinius, shares a similar outlook and agenda. He is often seen as the weaker of the two, following Sicinius’s lead in undermining Coriolanus. His character is loosely based on the historical Tiberius Junius Brutus, son of the Republic's founder Lucius Junius Brutus.
Brutus’s role in the play serves to amplify the political machinations against Coriolanus, contributing to the power struggle between the plebeians and the patricians. His inability to stand independently highlights the collective nature of the tribunes’ power. (Read extended character analysis for the tribunes.)
Titus Lartius
Titus Lartius, a Roman general, serves alongside Coriolanus, commanding respect and demonstrating bravery. Although overshadowed by Coriolanus’s exploits, he is respected by both Coriolanus and Cominius. His character fades into the background as Coriolanus takes center stage, yet his loyalty and valor are evident in his actions during the campaign against the Volscians.
Lartius’s lack of distinguishing characteristics beyond his military competence allows him to serve as a backdrop to the more dynamic personalities in the play, highlighting the singular nature of Coriolanus’s heroism.
Valeria
Valeria, a Roman noblewoman, is noted primarily for her chastity and her close association with Coriolanus’s family. She is well-informed about political and military matters, often serving as a conduit of information to Volumnia and Virgilia. Her reputation for purity earns her respectful treatment from Coriolanus and his household.
Her interactions provide insight into the domestic sphere of Roman nobility, contrasting with the public and political challenges faced by the men. Her presence in the play underscores the societal expectations and roles of women during this era.
Young Marcius
Young Marcius, the son of Coriolanus and Virgilia, makes a brief appearance but leaves a lasting impression. He inherits his father’s courage and determination but not his pride. His actions, such as tearing a butterfly to pieces, suggest an emerging ruthlessness encouraged by his grandmother, Volumnia.
This portrayal foreshadows the potential continuation of his father’s legacy, hinting at the cyclical nature of familial traits and the influence of upbringing in shaping character.
Adrian
Adrian, a Volscian character, interacts with Nicanor, a Roman, when they meet on the road from Rome to Antium. Despite their opposing allegiances, Adrian displays a convivial attitude, demonstrating the potential for camaraderie beyond national conflicts. He is receptive to Nicanor’s news about Rome and willingly offers to accompany him on his journey.
His role, though minor, enriches the narrative by presenting the human side of political enmity, emphasizing shared humanity over division.
Nicanor
Nicanor, a Roman spy, encounters Adrian on the road to Antium. He is the one to first recognize Adrian and initiates a dialogue about the political turmoil in Rome following Coriolanus’s banishment. Nicanor’s openness to travel with Adrian signals a willingness to bridge political divides for practical purposes.
Through their interaction, the play subtly highlights the complex web of relationships between enemy states, illustrating the intricate balance of diplomacy and enmity that characterizes the political landscape.
