Julius Caesar Character Analysis

A tragic hero is the antithesis for the common protagonist. Most protagonists show how they overcome great obstacles however, the tragic hero shows a more humane character, that stumbles and falls. The tragic hero usually exhibits three specific traits that lead to his or her downfall. In the play, Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, the characters of Brutus and Caesar both exhibit the three attributes of a tragic character. The first trait of any tragic hero is a high rank and potential for greatness. Both Brutus and Caesar hold his trait, as they are beloved high ranking Romans. The second characteristic a tragic hero must possess; is a fatal flaw that dominates their personality, and Brutus’ sense of justice and Caesar’s ego, fulfill this

“[T]here was a crown offered [to Caesar] … he put it by with the back of his hand/ … and then the people fell a-shouting” (I.ii.231-233). The scene at the chariot race further establishes Caesar’s place in Roman society and his unrealized ability as the Romans over joyously cheer as they see him with a crown, proving that Caesar had potential to become emperor with the people’s support. These scenes ultimately prove Brutus and Caesar are high ranking Romans, meaning they satisfy the first characteristic of a tragic hero. However, now that they have reached the top, the only other way is down, and now we will see what led to the fall of these great

Brutus and Caesar both portray this characteristic. In Brutus’ first scene during the chariot race, Brutus is “Vexed… of late with passions of some difference, / [c]onceptions only proper to myself… Nor construe any further my neglect/[t]han that poor Brutus, with himself at war” (I.ii.45-46,51-52). Brutus explicitly enounces that he is having conflicting emotions, later revealed to be about Caesar’s inevitable coronation. This internal conflict makes Brutus vulnerable to Cassius’ words, convincing him to join the conspirators, resulting in his