The senators serve as advisors to the consuls, whom they have the authority to appoint. However, these appointments must be ratified by a citizen vote. All senators are affluent patricians from Rome's most distinguished families. Their attitude toward the common citizens is complex, but they generally seem to understand the limits of their power and acknowledge the rights of the plebeians. One citizen, however, argues that the senators are so indifferent to the populace that they would let them starve rather than lower the price of grain. Additionally, he accuses them of passing laws that encourage usury, repealing regulations that limited the wealthy, and consistently enacting legislation that burdens the poor. Conversely, Menenius—a senator himself—claims that the senate is the source of all benefits for the common citizens. Coriolanus asserts that without the vigilance of "the noble Senate" (I.i.186), the plebeians would constantly be in conflict with each other.

In II.ii, the senators address the tribunes—the representatives of the people—with respect. They intend to appoint Coriolanus to the consulship, and they follow through. In III.i, they escort him to the marketplace. As Coriolanus grows increasingly frustrated with the tribunes, the senators urge him to temper his language. When the mob arrives, the senators are caught up in the chaos. They draw their weapons and attempt to separate Coriolanus from the crowd. After Coriolanus leaves, they speak to the tribunes respectfully and encourage them to give him another chance to address the people. In III.ii, some senators join Volumnia and others in trying to convince Coriolanus to return to the marketplace and appease the crowd. As one senator points out (III.ii.26-28), they fear a civil war unless Coriolanus retracts his statements. The senators are also worried about a potential invasion by the Volscians. When Volumnia and her party return from the Volscian camp outside Rome—having persuaded Coriolanus not to attack the city—the senators lead a celebration in honor of their success.