BACKGROUND OF PLAY
Coriolanus (/kɒriəˈleɪnəs/ or /-ˈlɑː-/[1]) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. The tragedy is one of the last two tragedies written by Shakespeare, along with Antony and Cleopatra.
Coriolanus is the name given to a Roman general after his military success against various uprisings challenging the government of Rome. Following this success, Coriolanus becomes active in politics and seeks political leadership. His temperament is unsuited for popular leadership and he is quickly deposed, whereupon he aligns himself to set matters straight according to his own will. The alliances he forges along the way result in his ultimate downfall.
Coriolanus is the name given to a Roman general after his military success against various uprisings challenging the government of Rome. Following this success, Coriolanus becomes active in politics and seeks political leadership. His temperament is unsuited for popular leadership and he is quickly deposed, whereupon he aligns himself to set matters straight according to his own will. The alliances he forges along the way result in his ultimate downfall.
CHARACTERS
Romans
- Caius Marcius – later surnamed Coriolanus
- Menenius Agrippa – Senator of Rome
- Cominius – consul and commander-in-chief of the army
- Titus Lartius – Roman general
- Volumnia – Coriolanus' mother (historically, Veturia)
- Virgilia – Coriolanus' wife
- Young Martius – Coriolanus' son
- Valeria – chaste lady of Rome and friend to Coriolanus' family
- Sicinius Velutus – tribune
- Junius Brutus – tribune
- Roman Citizens
- Roman Soldiers
- Roman Herald
- Roman Senators
- Tullus Aufidius – general of the Volscian army
- Aufidius' Lieutenant
- Aufidius' Servingmen
- Conspirators with Aufidius
- Adrian – Volscian spy
- Nicanor – Roman traitor
- Volscian Lords
- Volscian Citizens
- Volscian Soldiers