1. Rising Action and complications
Julius Caesar Act II
Rising Action and complications

2. Brutus’ Internal Conflict
As Brutus paces, he begins to think that Caesar will have to die, to avoid him being crowned king
Although he has never known Caesar to be power hungry before, he now says it would be impossible for him to rise without it affecting his fairness
Brutus compares Caesar to the egg of a snake, “which hatched, would as his kind grow mischievous”, so he resolves to “kill him in the shell” (II.i.33-34).

3. Brutus’ Internal Conflict
A servant comes in with a letter (the one Cassius had planted in the last scene) that accuses Brutus of sleeping while Rome is threatened. Brutus assumes this means by Caesar and resolves to “speak, strike, redress” (II.i.47)
Brutus never questions the authenticity of the letter (tragic flaw – Naïveté, believing without proof)
Conveniently, the conspirators arrive at that moment
Conspirators – Cassius, Decius, Cinna, Metellus, and Trebonius

4. The Conspirator conversation
Cassius wants to swear an oath, but Brutus says it isn’t necessary since their cause is strong enough to bind them.
Men only swear oaths when they doubt the strength of each other’s devotion, which is ironic, because Brutus once swore loyalty to Caesar and is now ready to murder him.
Brutus uses the word “stain” which is an imagery of blood, and the conspirators will be stained by Caesar’s blood.

5. The Conspirator conversation
Discussion of bringing Cicero into the group to give them some credibility, but Brutus convinces them he would never follow their plan.
Cassius wants to kill Antony also, but Brutus says Antony is harmless without Caesar.
Brutus wants to kill Caesar boldly, but not viciously, so they will be known as helpers of the state instead of murderers.
Cassius is no longer a recruit of Cassius, he is now leading the revolt

6. The plan
Cassius does not think Caesar will come to the capitol because of the soothsayer’s warnings to “Beware the Ides of March”.
Decius plans to flatter Caesar’s bravery in order to get him to forget about his superstition
Brutus tells the men to behave like actors and hide their true feelings and intentions.

7. Portia and Brutus
Portia wants to know what is troubling Brutus, but he won’t tell her. This signifies that he has doubts about the legitimacy of his plan.
Portia says that as his wife, she will keep his secrets.
Portia represents the intuition and morality in Brutus’ private life.
Brutus praises her honor, but as a knock on the door happens, he sends her away with a promise to talk later. His dismissal of her concern is one of his biggest mistakes.

8. Ligarius
Comes in looking sick and says that his sickness comes from the worry that Brutus is not acting in the name of honor with the scheme toward Caesar.
Brutus says he is being honorable, Ligarius rejoices, and leaves with Brutus to hear more of the plan.

9. ACT II Scene ii
Caesar is kept awake by Calpurnia’s nightmares about his murder.