Character List

# Julius Caesar-A great Roman general who has recently returned to Rome after a military victory in Spain. Julius Caesar is not the main character of the play that bears his name. Nonetheless, virtually every other character is preoccupied with Caesar—specifically, with the possibility that Caesar may soon become king.To noblemen like Brutus and Cassius, who consider themselves the equals of Caesar or any other citizen, Caesar’s coronation would mean they would no longer be free men but rather slaves.
# Brutus-A high-ranking, well-regarded Roman nobleman who participates in a conspiracy to assassinate Caesar. Brutus is motivated by his sense of honor, which requires him to place the good of Rome above his own personal interests or feelings.This same sense of honor allows him to be easily manipulated, leading to his eventual downfall.
# Casca- One of the conspirators. Casca is a tribune (an official elected to represent the common people of Rome) who resents Caesar’s ambition to rule.Casca is the first conspirator to stab Caesar.
# Portia- Brutus’s wife. Accustomed to being Brutus’s confidante, is upset to find him so reluctant to speak his mind when she finds him troubled.
# Antony- A loyal friend of Caesar’s. In contrast to the self-disciplined Brutus, Antony is highly impulsive and spontaneous , rather living in the moment than by any plan.
# Octavius
Caesar’s adopted son and appointed successor. Octavius, who was out of the country, returned after Caesar’s death, then joins up with Antony and sets off to fight Cassius and Brutus. Antony tries to control Octavius, but Octavius follows his adopted father’s example and emerges as the authority figure, paving the way for his eventual seizure of Roman government.
# Cassius
A general and longtime acquaintance of Caesar. Cassius resents the fact that the Roman people have come to treat Caesar nearly as a god. He tricks Brutus into believing that Caesar has become too powerful and must die. Impulsive and like Antony, Cassius has no illusions about the way the political world works. A shrewd opportunist, he acts effectively but lacks integrity.
# Calphurnia
Caesar’s wife. Calphurnia invests great authority in omens and other signs.
# Flavius and Murellus
Two tribunes who condemn the commoners for their cheering Caesar when once they cheered for Caesar’s enemy Pompey. Flavius and Murellus are punished for removing the decorations from Caesar’s statues during Caesar’s return parade.
# Cicero
A Roman senator renowned for his speaking ability. Cicero speaks at Caesar’s return parade. He later dies at the order of Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus.
# Lepidus
The third member of Antony and Octavius’s alliance. Though Antony has a low opinion of Lepidus, Octavius trusts Lepidus’s loyalty. Or rather, his ability to be controlled.
# Decius
A member of the conspiracy. Decius convinces Caesar that no danger awaits him at the Senate. Decius leads Caesar right into the hands of the conspirators.