Consider this:--he has been bred i' the wars
Since 'a could draw a sword, and is ill school'd
In bolted language
(III, i)

These words, uttered by Menenius, an ally of Coriolanus, provide a vivid depiction of the latter. Coriolanus is a warrior, not a man of eloquence. His unsuitability for politics and his inability to demonstrate verbal finesse or humility before the public set the stage for his downfall.

If any think brave death outweighs bad life,
And that his country's dearer than himself;
Let him alone, or so many so minded, Wave thus, to express his disposition,
And follow Marcius.
(I, vi)

As Coriolanus rallies his soldiers on the brink of battle, he is authoritative and self-assured. This contrasts sharply with his awkward demeanor in civic settings, such as addressing Roman crowds.

You common cry of curs! whose breath I hate
As reek o' the rotten fens, whose loves I prize
As the dead carcasses of unburied men
That do corrupt my air,--I banish you;
And here remain with your uncertainty!
(III, iii)

When Coriolanus is expelled from Rome, he lashes out with intense disdain. His fiercely individualistic nature is evident; his pride is so immense that he perceives himself as banishing Rome, although it is Rome that expels him.

I'll never
Be such a gosling to obey instinct; but stand,
As if a man were author of himself,
And knew no other kin.
(V, iii)

Seeing his mother arrive to persuade him to return to Rome, Coriolanus tries to fortify himself against her influence. However, his assertion of individuality falters—his mother successfully convinces him to abandon his plans to attack Rome. Thus, he cannot resist his inherent loyalty and the Roman blood that runs through him.

There's no man in the world
More bound to's mother; yet here he lets me prate
Like one i' the stocks. Thou hast never in thy life
Show'd thy dear mother any courtesy;
When she,--poor hen,--fond of no second brood,
Has cluck'd thee to the wars, and safely home,
Loaden with honour.
(V, iii)

In the play's climactic confrontation, Volumnia convinces her son to abandon his campaign against Rome. She leverages the mother-son bond to its fullest, and Coriolanus yields, unable to overcome his instinctual loyalty. Throughout, he draws his power and energy from his mother.

Though in this city he
Hath widow'd and unchilded many a one,
Which to this hour bewail the injury,
Yet he shall have a noble memory.-
(V, vi)

Part of Aufidius's concluding tribute to Coriolanus raises questions about its sincerity. While Coriolanus views Aufidius as his equal in battle and is genuine in this belief, Aufidius is capable of deceit. This complexity is further explored in the thematic discussion and character analyses.