Julius_Ceasar-_Characterization

Characterization. • Julius Caesar was a roman general. He is the main protagonist although he dies relatively early in the play. But even after his death his spirit has a dominant presence in the play. The entire plot revolves around the death of his character. • He is introduced with an aura of supremacy and power. The views that the people of Rome have of him are very contradictory. On one had we have the plebeians who have great respect and love for Caesar and are celebrating his victory over pompey’s sons on the other hand we have the tribunes who side with pompey and vehemently oppose Caesars’ rule. Of the two tribunes Marellus was very vocal in front of the plebeians about his dislike for Caesar while Flavius being the diplomatic one made his hatred for Caesar apparent only behind closed doors. • Caesar’ tragic flaw is supposed to be his arrogance and pride. this is clearly seen in the fact that he refers to himself in third person and also when he insolently ignores the soothsayers genuine concern for him. • In act 1 scene ii, Shakespeare makes us aware of Caesar’s superstition. On one hand Caesar believes in the Elizabethan saying, which states that, a barren woman touched during the holy chase, on the feast of lupercal, will lose her infertility. This makes evident Caesar’s desire for a male heir. Someone who could take his position after his death and for this he was ready to go to any extent even if it meant believing in superstitions, which he normally would have ridiculed. On the other hand Caesar ignored the soothsayer’s warnings because of his arrogance and his belief in his superiority over the rest of humanity. • Caesar is given great importance in the roman society even though they all are tribunes Caesar enjoys a greater prestige that the others. • The treatment of women is another very important issue discussed in Shakespeare’s plays. Caesar treats his wife, Calphurnia. On the feast of lupercal Caesar publicizes her sterility and therefore subjects her to great embarrassment. Also Caesar treats his wife in a very subservient manner that is very different from the way Brutus treats his wife, Portia. Brutus. • Even though Caesars’ the protagonist of the play we see more of an insight into Brutus’ character. Brutus is an epitome of sacrifice. He does all that he did only to save his motherland from what he thought was destruction. • Even mark Antony who was Brutus’s enemy cannot stop himself from praising Brutus. Antony clearly mentions in Brutus’ funeral speech that he was a perfect mix of all elements of nature and the only conspirator who joined the conspiracy out of patriotism instead of malice and selfishness. • Brutus can be called a true friend since his love for Caesar is clearly visible at the start of the play. Brutus loved Caesar, no doubt but his love for Rome made him sacrifice his promise of friendship to Caesar. He plans to join the conspiracy only in the best interest of the people of Rome. • Brutus is said to follow the theory of stoicism, which to some extent is justified in the play especially when he bears the death of his wife without showing a trace of emotion on his face. Cassius • Cassius can be called the villain of this play. he hatched the entire conspiracy for the simple reason that he did not want Julius Caesar to become the ruler of the roman empire. • Cassius extremely envious of Caesar .he cannot bear the fact that someone else is more powerful than he is .he holds a personal vendetta against him and does not perceive Caesar in a very good light. • Cassius uses all possible ways to convince Brutus to join the conspiracy only because he knows that Brutus’s presence will serve as rich alchemy and will turn there deed into a good one only because of Brutus’ honor. Antony • Mark Antony’s earlier image in the play is that of a masker and a reveler but soon after Caesar's death we see the true side of his character. Antony is an epitome of loyalty and friendship • His love for Caesar is clearly visible in the play. he does everything possible to avenge Caesars’ assassination. • He is a perfect orator and had his fingers firm on the pulse of the plebeians. Antony did use wrong means to achieve his goal but his goal was noble. he was always true to Caesar • Shakespeare sights Antony as an example of perfect friendship in his play.