Brutus Character Sketch

Brutus is worried Brutus is introduced in Act One, Scene Two. Our first impression of him is that he is a serious man: ‘I am not gamesome; I do lack some part / Of that quick spirit that is in Antony. Cassius says that Brutus has seemed unhappy or unfriendly recently. Brutus admits that he is, saying ‘Poor Brutus, with himself at war, / Forgets the shows of love to other men.’

Rome vs. Caesar Brutus is torn between his concern for Rome and his love for Caesar. ‘ I do fear the people / Choose Caesar for their king’. Although he says of Caesar ‘I love him well’, Brutus makes it clear that Rome and honour come first: ‘I love / The name of honour more than I fear death’.

Manipulated by Cassius Cassius says that everyone respects Brutus greatly and he wishes Brutus could see himself as others see him. Brutus wonders why Cassius is flattering him: ‘Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius, / That you would have me seek into myself / For that which is not in me?’

Unhappy to be a Roman citizen in these times ‘Brutus had rather be a villager Than to repute himself a son of Rome Under these hard conditions as this time Is like to lay on us.’

His virtue makes him vulnerable Cassius believes that he can use Brutus’ nobility to his own advantage. He plans to bend Brutus to his will: ‘Well, Brutus, thou art noble; yet I see / Thy honourable mettle may be wrought From that it is disposed

Act One – Key Words about Brutus Worried Distracted Noble Honourable Loyal Modest Vulnerable