1. The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
The characters

2. Julius Caesar Triumphant general and political leader of rome
Highly competent and multi-talented
Condescending and arrogant
Frequently uses 3rd person (Caesar) instead of “I” to refer to himself
Repeatedly ignores warnings about his safety

3. Marcus Brutus Roman senator
Helps plan and carry out Caesar’s assassination
Sided with Pompey against Caesar during the Roman civil war in 49 b.c.
Pardoned by Caesar when Caesar defeated Pompey in 48 b.c.
Appointed governor of Cisalpine Gaul in 46 b.c.
His downfall and death are the real tragedy of the play

4. Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony)
A member of the ruling triumvirate after the assassination of Caesar
Known as Mark Antony or simply Antony
Cunning and pragmatic (practical)
He can wield words as effectively as he wields weapons

5. Cassius Clever and manipulative senator
Persuades Brutus to join the assassination conspiracy
His motivation for conspiracy against Caesar is jealousy

6. Octavius Caesar (Octavian)
Grandnephew of Julius Caesar
Member of the ruling triumvirate after Caesar’s assassination
Later becomes emperor of Rome as Augustus Caesar

7. Casca One of the leading conspirators against Caesar
The first of the conspirators to stab Caesar, plunging a dagger into his back

8. Other conspirators
Trebonius, Ligarius, Decius Brutus, Metellus, Cimber, Cinna
Of note: at least 59 conspirators participated in the actual assassination of Caesar in 44 B.C.

9. Tribunes
A tribune is an officer of ancient Rome elected by the plebeians (common people) to protect their rights
Flavius and Marullus are Tribunes in Julius Caesar

10. Artemidorus
Teacher of rhetoric (study of using language effectively and persuasively)
Attempts to warn Caesar that Brutus, Cassius, and others have turned against him

11. Soothsayer
Seer who warns Caesar to beware the Ides of March (March 15th)
Not given a name by Shakespeare
Ancient texts give the seer’s name as Spurinna

12. Calpurnia
Julius Caesar’s wife

13. Portia
Brutus’s wife