Julius Caesar: Characters

Key Characters in Julius Caesar

1. Julius Caesar
2. Brutus
3. Cassius
4. Mark Antony
5. Portia

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Julius Caesar

Quote: "I am constant as the Northern Star."

Analysis: Caesar believes he is strong and unchanging, like the Northern Star. Shakespeare uses this line to show how Caesar sees himself as a powerful leader who cannot be moved or swayed. However, this confidence also makes him blind to the dangers around him, leading to his death.

Quote: "The abuse of greatness is when it disjoins remorse from power."

Analysis: Caesar recognises that power can be dangerous when it isn't paired with kindness or care for others. Shakespeare uses this to show the risks of becoming too powerful without considering the impact on others. This idea reflects the fears of the conspirators, who worry that Caesar might become a cruel ruler.

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Brutus

Quote: "Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more."

Analysis: Brutus explains that he joined the plot to kill Caesar not because he didn't care about him, but because he cared more about the future of Rome. Shakespeare uses Brutus to show the difficult choices people sometimes have to make between their personal feelings and what they believe is best for everyone. Brutus's decision, though made for noble reasons, ends up leading to tragedy.

Quote: "Let me have men about me that are fat."

Analysis: Brutus worries about the intentions of the people around him. He prefers to be surrounded by those who seem content and satisfied, rather than those who might be plotting against him. This shows Brutus's awareness of the dangers of ambition in others, reflecting the play's theme of trust and betrayal.

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Cassius

Quote: "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves."

Analysis: Cassius argues that it is not fate that controls their lives, but their own choices. Shakespeare uses Cassius to express the idea that people have the power to shape their destinies. This line also reflects Cassius's manipulative nature as he tries to convince Brutus to join the conspiracy against Caesar.

Quote: "I was born free as Caesar; so were you."

Analysis: Cassius reminds Brutus that they were both born with the same freedoms as Caesar, implying that they shouldn't allow Caesar to rise above them and become a dictator. Shakespeare uses this to highlight Cassius's jealousy and desire for power, which drives him to plot against Caesar.

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Mark Antony

Quote: "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears."

Analysis: Antony begins his famous speech by asking the crowd to listen to him. Shakespeare uses this line to show Antony's skill in persuading others. Through his speech, Antony cleverly turns the public against the conspirators by praising Caesar and subtly criticising those who killed him.

Quote: "This was the most unkindest cut of all."

Analysis: Antony refers to Brutus's betrayal of Caesar as the "unkindest cut," emphasising how painful it was for Caesar to be betrayed by someone he loved and trusted. Shakespeare uses this to highlight the deep emotional impact of betrayal, making the audience sympathise with Caesar even after his death.

Portia

Quote: "I have a man's mind, but a woman's might."

Analysis: Portia acknowledges that she has the courage and intelligence of a man, but feels limited by the expectations placed on her as a woman. Shakespeare uses Portia to explore the theme of gender roles, showing the frustration and strength of women who are often underestimated.

Quote: "Think you I am no stronger than my sex, being so fathered and so husbanded?"

Analysis: Portia challenges Brutus, questioning whether he thinks she is weak just because she is a woman. She reminds him that she comes from a strong family and is married to a strong man. Shakespeare uses this to show Portia's determination and her desire to be seen as an equal partner.

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