Major Characters

• Julius Caesar: Julius Caesar is a great Roman general and statesman. He is brave, proud, and ambitious. His desire for absolute power makes others fear that he will become a tyrant. Though he appears only in the first half of the play, his spirit dominates even after his death.
• Marcus Brutus: Brutus is a noble Roman and Caesar’s close friend. He is honest, patriotic, and idealistic. He joins the conspiracy not for hatred but for the “good of Rome.” His moral struggle and tragic downfall make him the tragic hero of the play.
• Caius Cassius: Cassius is the clever and manipulative leader of the conspirators. He dislikes Caesar’s power and persuades Brutus to join the plot. He is sharp-minded but jealous and selfish, though brave in battle.
• Mark Antony: Antony is Caesar’s loyal friend and supporter. After Caesar’s death, he turns the people against the conspirators with his famous funeral speech. He is smart, emotional, and a master of rhetoric.
• Octavius Caesar: Octavius is Caesar’s adopted son and heir. After Caesar’s death, he joins Antony to fight Brutus and Cassius. He later becomes the first Emperor of Rome (Augustus Caesar).
• Portia: Portia is Brutus’s wife and the daughter of Cato. She is loyal, intelligent, and brave. She proves her strength by wounding herself to show she can keep Brutus’s secrets.
• Calpurnia: Calpurnia is Caesar’s wife. She loves him deeply and tries to stop him from going to the Capitol after seeing a frightening dream. Her warnings symbolize the ignored voice of wisdom.

• Casca: Casca is one of the conspirators. He is blunt and practical. He describes how Caesar refused the crown three times in the Lupercalia festival.
• Decius Brutus: Decius is a conspirator who flatters Caesar and convinces him to go to the Senate on the day of his death. He cleverly twists Calpurnia’s dream to fool Caesar.
• Metellus Cimber: Metellus is a conspirator who distracts Caesar with a fake petition just before the assassination. His action gives others a chance to strike.
• Trebonius: Trebonius is a conspirator. He keeps Antony away from the Senate during Caesar’s murder. He is less violent and shows some kindness.
• Cinna: Cinna is one of the conspirators. He helps spread fake letters to influence Brutus. Later, another man named Cinna (the poet) is killed by the angry mob by mistake.
• Caius Ligarius: Ligarius is a sick but loyal follower of Brutus. When Brutus calls him, he forgets his illness and joins the conspiracy.
• Soothsayer: The Soothsayer warns Caesar to “Beware the Ides of March.” His warning shows the power of fate, which Caesar ignores.
• Artemidorus: Artemidorus is a teacher who tries to give Caesar a written warning about the conspiracy. Caesar ignores him. It leads to tragedy.
• Cicero: Cicero is a Roman senator and orator. The conspirators discuss including him, but finally decide against it. He represents wisdom and experience.
• Pindarus: Pindarus is Cassius’s servant. He mistakenly reports that Brutus has been captured. This causes Cassius to kill himself.
• Lucius: Lucius is Brutus’s young servant. He is innocent and loyal. He plays gentle music to comfort his master.
• Titinius, Messala, and Strato: They are soldiers and friends of Brutus and Cassius. Titinius kills himself after Cassius’s death. Strato holds Brutus’s sword so Brutus can die with honor.