The document provides an overview of William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, including key characters and themes. It discusses how Caesar is the protagonist despite being assassinated early on. The main characters that conspire against Caesar are Brutus, Cassius, and Casca. Major themes include the conflict between free will and fate, the relationship between public and private identities, and the power of rhetoric. The document also summarizes several important scenes and provides context about the tragedy and Shakespearean motifs present in the play.

1. CaesarCaesar
Characters and ThemesCharacters and Themes

2. TragedyTragedy
1.1. High ranking, dignified protagonistHigh ranking, dignified protagonist
2.2. Tragic hero with a tragic flaw – too much ofTragic hero with a tragic flaw – too much of
a good thing.a good thing.
3.3. Ending is unhappy/tragic, with the death ofEnding is unhappy/tragic, with the death of
the main character.the main character.
4.4. Lesson to be learnedLesson to be learned
5.5. Unity of time and placeUnity of time and place

3. Who is the Protagonist?Who is the Protagonist?
Even though the play is named after him,Even though the play is named after him,
Caesar is not considered the main character ofCaesar is not considered the main character of
the play.the play.
However, all characters can be examined inHowever, all characters can be examined in
light of their relationship with/to him.light of their relationship with/to him.

4. Caesar’s Inner CircleCaesar’s Inner Circle
Caesar – Current Ruler of Rome (militaryCaesar – Current Ruler of Rome (military
leader and politician)leader and politician)
Power hungry, but admired by the peoplePower hungry, but admired by the people
Antony – Political ally and friendAntony – Political ally and friend
Devout friend to CaesarDevout friend to Caesar
Octavius – Grand-nephew and heirOctavius – Grand-nephew and heir
Politically deft and personally aloofPolitically deft and personally aloof

5. Architects of the ConspiracyArchitects of the Conspiracy
 Brutus – Politician and ConspiratorBrutus – Politician and Conspirator
 HonorableHonorable
 Upholds the interest of the peopleUpholds the interest of the people
 Main CharacterMain Character
 Cassius – Politician and ConspiratorCassius – Politician and Conspirator
 Brutus’ brother-in-lawBrutus’ brother-in-law
 Key figure in development of the conspiracyKey figure in development of the conspiracy
 Sinister, sneakySinister, sneaky
 Casca – Politician and ConspiratorCasca – Politician and Conspirator
 First to stab CaesarFirst to stab Caesar
 Traitor -- begins in Caesar’s inner circleTraitor -- begins in Caesar’s inner circle

6. MnemonicsMnemonics
Brutus – Brutalized (by the necessity to killBrutus – Brutalized (by the necessity to kill
Caesar to save the Republic)Caesar to save the Republic)
Cassius – Cash (accused to have sold officesCassius – Cash (accused to have sold offices
for cash; values cash)for cash; values cash)
Casca – Casket (wants to put Caesar in aCasca – Casket (wants to put Caesar in a
casket; first to stab)casket; first to stab)

7. WivesWives
Calphurnia -- Caesar’s (third) wifeCalphurnia -- Caesar’s (third) wife
Shows genuine concern for CaesarShows genuine concern for Caesar
Has a dream foreshadowing Caesar’s assassinationHas a dream foreshadowing Caesar’s assassination
Portia -- Brutus’ wife (and cousin…)Portia -- Brutus’ wife (and cousin…)
True and honorable wifeTrue and honorable wife
Commits suicide by swallowing hot coals.Commits suicide by swallowing hot coals.

8. MnemonicsMnemonics
Calphurnia -- Calendar (watches for the IdesCalphurnia -- Calendar (watches for the Ides
of March; warns Caesar)of March; warns Caesar)
Portia -- Pours (her heart out to Brutus; poursPortia -- Pours (her heart out to Brutus; pours
hot coals down her throat to commit suicidehot coals down her throat to commit suicide

9. Themes to TrackThemes to Track
Free Will Vs. FateFree Will Vs. Fate
Actions based on choices vs. actions based onActions based on choices vs. actions based on
outside forcesoutside forces
Public Identity Vs. Private IdentityPublic Identity Vs. Private Identity
Rhetoric and PowerRhetoric and Power
Rhetoric is powerful spoken and written languageRhetoric is powerful spoken and written language
Also known as the art of persuasionAlso known as the art of persuasion

10. Essential QuestionsEssential Questions
1.1. How does Shakespeare depict the influenceHow does Shakespeare depict the influence
of one’s belief of Free Will vs. Fate?of one’s belief of Free Will vs. Fate?
2.2. What does Shakespeare believe are theWhat does Shakespeare believe are the
consequences of a lack of separation betweenconsequences of a lack of separation between
the Public and Private Identities?the Public and Private Identities?
3.3. How does Shakespeare view the power ofHow does Shakespeare view the power of
rhetoric? How does this abilityrhetoric? How does this ability
shape/maintain a leader?shape/maintain a leader?

11. Shakespearean Motifs inShakespearean Motifs in CaesarCaesar
 EnvyEnvy
 What is the source of envy; why do people envy each other?What is the source of envy; why do people envy each other?
 RevengeRevenge
 Why do people seek revenge; what does it provide?Why do people seek revenge; what does it provide?
 Honor/LoyaltyHonor/Loyalty
 Who do people honor and why? What does loyalty look like?Who do people honor and why? What does loyalty look like?
 ConflictConflict
 What causes conflict? How does conflict affect people’s actions andWhat causes conflict? How does conflict affect people’s actions and
future?future?
 TragedyTragedy
 What is a source of tragedy and sadness?What is a source of tragedy and sadness?
 What causes tragedy in people’s lives?What causes tragedy in people’s lives?

12. CharactersCharacters
BrutusBrutus
AntonyAntony
OctavianOctavian

13. Caesar Refuses the CrownCaesar Refuses the Crown

14. Caesar with ConspiratorsCaesar with Conspirators

15. Stabbing of CaesarStabbing of Caesar

16. And again…And again…

17. ……and againand again

18. Famous Funeral OrationFamous Funeral Oration

19. Caesar’s GhostCaesar’s Ghost