Brutus Characterization

Donovan McManus

Mrs. Paulsen

Pre-AP English II - I

31 August 2017

Brutus

Characterization of characters plays a crucial role in literature. The way the author represents a character determines how he is perceived. In Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare characterizes Brutus as a noble person in pursuit of doing good towards the people.

Shakespeare portrays Brutus as an honorable character. He accomplishes this through using others’ descriptions of him and interpreting his own actions. For example, the way the people respond to him characterizes him as the people’s man, who is righteous and sincere. Casca demonstrates this saying that Brutus “sits high in all the people’s hearts . . . [h]is countenance, like richest alchemy, [w]ill change to virtue and to worthiness” (1.3.164-165). This passage firmly establishes how the people view him. The people of Rome find him to be a noble man. Therefore, all of the actions he commits and approves of the people will find acceptance in. Only a man with true nobility exemplifies such honor. In addition, other characters appeal to Brutus’ sense of duty. For instance, in order to recruit Brutus in the demise of Caesar, Cassias recruits Brutus by declaring that the people need him. After he hears of this, he asks himself, “[s]hall Rome stand under one man’s awe?” (2.1.54). Brutus only questions Caesar’s motives after he recognizes the people’s desperation and need. Not only this, but Brutus takes action. He speaks to himself, promising Rome that “[i]f the redress will follow, thou receivest [t]hy full petition at the hand of Brutus” (2.1.60-61). Lastly, Brutus recognizes that motives change, so he refuses to pledge to an oath. He knows that to think that his “cause or our performance [d]id need an oath, when every drop of blood [t]hat every Roman bears . . . [i]s guilty” (2.1.146-149). To say such a thing requires nobility, wisdom, and respect for the people he so humbly serves. He loves the people and puts them first in all of his thoughts and actions.