Character+Analyses

=**Cassius**= Cassius is a passionate manipulator who exerts influence over others by his intelligence, cunningness, and ability to perceive the motives of men. he considers himself to be "just as good as Caesar", and most likely even better since he shows strength where Caesar is weak (swimming). he is also highly skilled at manipulating by using the greed and ambition in every man. Although Brutus sees through Cassius' plan, he still braises Brutus, referring to the "hidden worthiness' and how people "[h]ave wished that Noble Brutus had his [Casar's] eyes"(1.2.165). By flattering Brutus, he hopes to serve as a mirror that shows what the peasants want. However, he really just wants to make Brutus believe he'd be a better leader and to conspire with him. The most important aspect of Cassius is that he is an acute observer of men, their facial expressions, and their darkest desires in their hearts. Cassius is constantly planning schemes and known as "a great observer... he looks quite through the deeds of men...[and] loves no plays"(1.2.213-214). His ability to understand a man's weakness and strengths provides him with the most assistance. it also makes him quick on his feet and able to lie in any situation. he doesn't listen to what men say, but what they mean behind it. He is also very serious, watching faces for "entertainment' rather than the play itself. It's interesting that he seems to relish in his talents, and enjoys manipulating others. Although he appears serious, he has an immense amount of passion and emotion. He obviously has personal issues with Caesar, considering he saved his life with no reward, and now is "a wretched creature"(1.2.120). Caesar gets all the recognition whereas Cassius isn't beloved or honored. Caesar also obviously distrusts and dislikes Cassius, and Cassius understands that his power could easily be taken from him. In a sympathetic light, Cassius does believe Caesar is a tyrant and is going to ruin Rome. Cassius shows his immense amount of cunning and ingenious as he creates a so foolish-that-it's-brilliant plan. he relies on the idea that "[t]hy honorable metal may be wrought" meaning that Brutus' loyalty to Caesar and his character can be transformed into what Cassius needs for his devious plans (1.1.216). During his soliloquy, he plans to fully entangle Brutus with the plot to rid Rome of Caesar. I believe his cunningness isn't fully appreciated as well as his dedication. Sadly, all villains, even those sympathetic and great, tend to meet their own eds through their unrelenting passion and emotion. However, I believe in his ability to slither out of any detrimental predicament. I salute you, Cassius.

=**Caesar**= Shakespeare depicts Caesar as indecisive to portray him as a reactive and unbalanced leader to also express that he shows the same traits of a tyrant. In addition, Caesar is revealed to be ignorant where flattery is concerned and highly affected by others' thoughts of him. Shakespeare also tends to take a more sympathetic approach to Brutus and a negative outlook on Caesar in general. Ciciero remarked earlier that "Men may construe things after their own fashion" which applies to Caesar disregarding the soothsayer's omens although he claims to be superstitious earlier in the play (1.3.454). In the beginning, he wants to believe the omens because it means his wife could get pregnant. However, he ignores the signs later because he doesn't want to believe that anyone is conspiring against him or face the reality of dying. He disregards the omens because he wants to believe that no-one else could be wiser than Caesar himself. Caesar yields to Calpurnia's pleas because of her insistent begging. However, he changes his mind again when Decius claims that her dream only "[s]ignifies that from you great Rome shall suck reviving blood"(2.2.1069-70). He claims that Rome will celebrate Caesar after he becomes king and relish in the glory of his honor and virtue. Caesar gives in to Decius which proves his weak spot for unrelenting flattery and a hungering ego. Caesar only completely agrees to go after Decius half mocks him by using the senators against Caesar. he accuses Caesar that they will think he is afraid and "whipped" which causes him to feel as if he must prove himself. Caesar's worst fear is others' disbelief in his power and strength. After Caesar becomes outraged, he begins to refer to himself as "I" instead of "Caesar". Shakespeare changes his diction to show how furious he is and fixated on proving his lack of fear instead of trying to show himself as a proper emperor. Although strength is important to Caesar his change if language shows his inner vulnerability. Shakespeare also causes Caesar to change throughout the play to reflect that he could be a tyrant because tyrants change their choices quickly and easily. By establishing that he is reactive and indecisive, Shakespeare creates Caesar to be a possible tyrant who is not the greatest option for Rome.

=**Antony**= Antony is a clever and passionate warrior who is influenced by rage and purposely uses his spirited nature to slowly creep into power. I don't believe that Antony changes at all throughout the play, but I do believe that he begins to gain knowledge. However, his state of mind is altered temporarily by great fits of passion and rage. His fierce rage has always existed, but only his level of cunningness changes. As he begins to gain power, his intelligence increases because he now has something he needs to protect. After Caesar's death, he declares he wants Rome in ruin and to pay for the atrocity done to Caesar. At first he seems like a harsh and wicked man. However, he later spares Lucilius' life for the fierce loyalty he shows to Brutus since he'd rather have "[s]uch men...[as]... friends than enemies"(5.4.2664). I think he sympathizes with Lucilius because he remembers hi undying loyalty to Caesar. He also acknowledges that they shouldn't kill such an honorable and loyal soldier. Even though I believe Antony did care for Caesar, I also believe he let Caesar die. More than just the conspirators knew about the plot to assassinate Caesar, and Antony almost too coincidentally tries to convince Caesar no-one could ever match his strength. I believe that Antony lusts for power and honor just like many of the other men. He knows if he aligns himself with the senators, than they won't kill him. After Caesar's death, Antony turns on the senators and has an excuse to kill ever last one of them. The people of Rome understand and still see him as a hero. After all the senator's deaths, there is no one else to rule Rome, but Antony himself (and Octavius). Now Antony can launch an assault against Octavius, use the same excuse Brutus had and become the sole ruler of Rome. Before anyone will be able to stop him, Antony will be the new emperor of Rome, and all will bow before him.



=**Brutus**= Brutus is an honorable and valorous soldier who tries to fight to the end for what he believes his right, but is also subconsciously influenced by the words of others. Brutus admits in the beginning that he understands that Cassius is trying to manipulate him, but it doesn't stop Cassius' words from seeping into his mind. Cassius' words plant seeds into Brutus' mind which eventually warp his ideas into something more. I believe he is one of the most sympathetic characters because all along he thinks he is doing the right thing. He begins to believe Caesar is a traitor, and eventually kills him which starts him down a path of regret and guilt. The ghost of Caesar constantly haunts Brutus to the point that he is scared to sleep alone. I believe that Brutus called so many of the wrong decisions like allowing Antony to speak and facing the troops at Philippi because subconsciously he wants to die. He wants to justify the acts he committed early, but he is too proud to admit it. Brutus loves "the name of honour more than... [he] ... fears death" (1.2.179). Brutus chooses to die over the fear of being taken as a captive and losing the war. However, I also think he realizes that perhaps his choices weren't the most honorable in the beginning which begins to send him into madness. Other than hallucinating, he also can't shake the feeling of his dead friend. Shakespeare still chose to honor Brutus as a hero in the end because in a way, he became the symbol of honor throughout the play. He didn't choose to kill Caesar for malice like Cassius, but because Brutus loves Rome and the people of Rome. He knows he cannot find peace and happiness in life, so perhaps death will offer a soothing rest for him.