William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar characters

Appears from the start

A celebrated Roman general returning in triumph after defeating Pompey's sons. Public enthusiasm is raising him above the ordinary institutions of the republic, and some Romans fear that he intends to become king.

First appears in chapter 2

A respected Roman senator whose family name is closely associated with the republic. Thoughtful and honorable, he loves Caesar personally but is troubled by what Caesar's growing power may mean for Rome.

First appears in chapter 2

A Roman senator who distrusts Caesar and resents his rise. Perceptive about other people's weaknesses, he begins drawing Brutus toward opposition by appealing to republican honor.

First appears in chapter 2

A loyal friend and political follower of Caesar. Athletic, sociable, and underestimated by Caesar's opponents, he participates in the public festival honoring Caesar's return.

First appears in chapter 2

A blunt Roman politician with a sharp eye for public events. He reports how Antony repeatedly offered Caesar a crown before the crowd and how Caesar refused it each time.

First appears in chapter 5

Caesar's wife. She is disturbed by ominous dreams and signs on the night before Caesar is due to go to the Senate and begs him to remain safely at home.

First appears in chapter 2

A prophetic figure in the Roman crowd who warns Caesar to beware the middle of March. Caesar dismisses the warning and continues with the festival.

First appears in chapter 4

Brutus's wife and the daughter of Cato. She notices her husband's sleepless distress and asks to share the confidence and burdens of his public life.

First appears in chapter 4

A conspirator against Caesar who argues that Antony should also be killed. Brutus rejects that proposal, insisting that their action must appear principled rather than bloody.

First appears in chapter 6

A teacher of rhetoric who has learned the conspirators' plan. He prepares a written warning naming the danger and intends to hand it to Caesar on the way to the Senate.

First appears in chapter 8

A Roman senator and conspirator who brings a petition concerning his banished brother to Caesar. The request provides the group with an opportunity to close around Caesar at the Capitol.

First appears in chapter 11

Caesar's adopted heir, approaching Rome while the city's political order collapses. He joins Antony and Lepidus in the new ruling alliance.

First appears in chapter 11

A Roman commander allied with Antony and Octavius. He is the third member of their governing triumvirate, though Antony treats him as less capable than the other two.