Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar, a celebrated Roman general and senator, returns to Rome triumphant, yet some fear his growing influence. Though he refuses the crown, Caesar’s ego and disregard for warnings reveal his flaws, exposing the dangers of prioritizing public image over personal insight. Full Caesar Analysis

Marcus Brutus

Marcus Brutus, often seen as the “true hero” of Julius Caesar, is a complex character whose devotion to Rome leads him to join a conspiracy against Caesar, driven by his rigid honor and misguided idealism. Despite his noble intentions, his actions plunge Rome into chaos, and his tragic legacy is sealed with Antony’s tribute to him as the “noblest” Roman. Full Brutus Analysis

Mark Antony

A practical and shrewd soldier, Antony serves as Brutus’s foil, skillfully manipulating the conspirators and swaying the public with a powerful speech at Caesar’s funeral. Forming a triumvirate with Octavius and Lepidus, Antony leads a campaign against the conspirators, revealing hints of his own ambition as he consolidates power. Full Antony Analysis

Cassius

Cassius envies Caesar’s stature in Rome and manipulates Brutus into joining the conspiracy through deceitful means. Though often seen negatively, Cassius’s perceptiveness and loyalty to Brutus and Titinius lend some complexity to his character by the play’s end. Full Cassius Analysis

Octavius Caesar

Caesar’s adopted son and grandnephew, Octavius Caesar, returns from his travels abroad after Caesar’s death. Joining forces with Antony, Octavius meets Cassius and Brutus in war. Though Antony tries to control Octavius’s movements, Octavius, though young, proves difficult to manage. His authority leads to his ultimate succession as the leader of the Roman Empire.

Casca

Another nobleman who joins Cassius’s conspiring faction, Casca is described by Cassius as “dull.” It is Casca who relates to Cassius and Brutus how Caesar thrice refused the crown offered to him by Antony.

Calpurnia

One of the only two women characters in the text, Calpurnia is superstitious by nature. Alarmed by her nightmare portending Caesar’s death, she asks Caesar to stay home on the Ides of March. However, Caesar imperiously disregards her advice. Caesar seems to behave authoritatively toward Calpurnia.

Portia

The daughter of Cato, a noble Roman who opposed Brutus, Portia is Brutus’s wife. Her relationship with Brutus is shown to be closer than Calpurnia’s is with Caesar. Used to being Brutus’s confidante, she is upset at his secrecy and entreats him to tell her his secret. It is suggested that Brutus reveals some of the conspiracy to Portia. Later in the play she kills herself, fearing Brutus’s decline and Antony’s rising power.

Flavius and Marullus

Flavius and Marullus are tribunes, or public officials elected by the people of Rome. They are sentenced to death for removing the decorations from Caesar’s statues during Caesar’s triumphal parade.

Cicero

An elderly Roman senator and orator, Cicero speaks at Caesar’s triumphal parade. He is later sentenced to death for treason at the order of Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus, the Second Triumvirate.

Lepidus

Lepidus, a wealthy banker and general, is the third member completing Antony and Octavius’s Second Triumvirate. Antony cynically thinks of Lepidus as a “slight,” or insignificant, man, but Octavius trusts Lepidus.