Brutus Is A Static Character In Julius Caesar

While reading Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, some factors might make one wonder, why is this named Julius Caesar? Who is the true protagonist of the play? Both of these questions tackle the credibility of Shakespeare’s decision to name the play as it has been named. A conclusion one might come to is that the protagonist is actually Brutus, and the play could be instead named after Brutus as well.
Caesar himself is an important character, but it is difficult to see why the play is named after him. While the main focus of the play is Caesar’s death, his actual presence in the play might be questionable to some. Unlike Brutus, Caesar is a very static character. If he has any character change, at all, it is hard to tell. While discussing with Calpurnia whether or not he should go to the capitol, Caesar says “Caesar shall forth. The things that threatened me ne'er looked

When they shall see the face of Caesar, they are vanishèd.” (Act 2, scene 2) The use of third person when Caesar refers to himself shows that he is putting himself on a pedestal above others, and he refers to himself this way throughout the play. As another example, in scene 2 when the soothsayer calls out to Caesar, he responds by saying, “Who is it in the press that calls on me? I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music, Cry “Caesar!”—Speak. Caesar is turned to hear.” (act 1, scene 2) One could conclude he is somewhat self centered. Caesar then furthers the idea of him being self centered by saying “when they shall see the face of Caesar, they are vanished,” implying even seeing Caesar could scare anyone who is against him off. Another prime example of what may be considered arrogance occurs in within the same scene. Caesar tells Calpurnia, “How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia! I am ashamèd I did yield to them. Give me my robe,