Character Sketch from ICSE Class 9 English Drama Julius Caesar Act 1, Scene 1 of Flavius and Murellus, the Commoners and the Cobbler

 

A character sketch defines what the character is like and how he/she evolves or develops throughout the story. In this post you can find the Character Sketch of Flavius and Murellus, the Commoners and the Cobbler from ICSE Class 9 English Drama Julius Caesar Act 1, Scene 1.

 

 

Related: 

 

 

Character Sketch of Flavius and Murellus

Flavius and Murellus are Roman tribunes, which means they are government officials who represent the common people. However, they are also staunch supporters of the traditional Roman Republic and are deeply concerned about Julius Caesar’s growing popularity and ambition. They are serious, arrogant, and somewhat condescending toward the commoners. They view the people’s celebration of Caesar as a sign of disloyalty and a threat to Rome’s stability. They are the first to show open defiance against Caesar, setting the stage for the rest of the play’s political conflict.

 

Questions related to the Character of Flavius and Murellus

Q1. Why are they concerned about Caesar’s popularity?
Q2. What do they do to check Caesar’s popularity?

Character Sketch of the Commoners

The Commoners are a group of working-class Romans, including a carpenter and a witty cobbler. They are portrayed as simple, easily swayed, and more interested in holidays and entertainment than in politics. Their playful and festive mood at the beginning of the scene contrasts sharply with the seriousness of the tribunes. They were once loyal to Pompey, Caesar’s rival, but now they are enthusiastically celebrating Caesar’s triumph. This shows their fickle nature and their lack of a strong political stance, making them easy for both sides to manipulate.

Questions related to the Character of the Commoners

Q1. Why are the commoners gathered there?
Q2. Describe the prominent qualities of the commoners.

Character Sketch of the Cobbler

The Cobbler is the most prominent of the commoners. He is a master of wordplay and uses puns to tease and confuse the tribunes. His humour serves as a brief moment of comic relief but also highlights his cleverness and subtle defiance. He is a representative of the ordinary Roman citizen who is more concerned with his daily life and work than with the political struggles of the elite. His quick wit and cleverness make him a memorable character despite his small role.

Questions related to the Character of the Cobbler

Q1. Which qualities of the cobbler are highlighted through his words?
Q2. How does the cobbler react to the tribunes?