Character Sketch from ICSE Class 10 English Drama Julius Caesar Act 5, Scene 1 of Mark Antony, Octavius Caesar, Marcus Brutus, Cassius and Other Characters
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 Mark Antony, Octavius Caesar, Marcus Brutus, Cassius and Other Characters (Messenger, Lucilius, Messala) from ICSE Class 10 English Drama Julius Caesar Act 5, Scene 1.
- Character Sketch of Mark Antony
- Questions related to the Character of Mark Antony
- Character Sketch of Octavius Caesar
- Questions related to the Character of Octavius Caesar
- Character Sketch of Marcus Brutus
- Questions related to the Character of Marcus Brutus
- Character Sketch of Cassius
- Questions related to the Character of Cassius
- Character Sketch of Other Characters
- Questions related to the character of Other Characters
Related:
- Julius Caesar Act 5, Scene 1 Summary, Explanation
- Julius Caesar Act 5, Scene 1 Question Answers
- ICSE Class 10 English Lesson Notes
Character Sketch of Mark Antony
Mark Antony, a key member of the Triumvirate, appears confident and aggressive in this scene. He immediately establishes his tactical insight by contradicting Octavius’s earlier predictions about the enemy, noting that he ‘is in their bosoms’ and knows the conspirators are coming down to the plains to put on a brave show, though they lack true courage. When Brutus and Cassius approach for a parley, Antony takes the lead in the verbal duel. He is ruthless in his accusations, delivering a blistering attack that mocks the conspirators’ actions during the assassination. He venomously refers to them as ‘villains’ and ‘flatterers’ who ‘Hack’d one another in the sides of Caesar’ while putting on a performance of loyalty. His language is colorful, comparing them to fawning apes and hounds. His primary goal is to avenge Caesar, and he sees the parley only as an opportunity to shame his enemies publicly before the final fight.
Questions related to the Character of Mark Antony
Q1. Describe the changes in Antony’s character.
Q2. Whom does Antony refer to as villains? Why?
Character Sketch of Octavius Caesar
The young Octavius Caesar, the adopted son of Julius Caesar and Antony’s partner in the Triumvirate, is presented as increasingly assertive, signaling his future dominance. He first appears to be in agreement with Antony about the enemy’s unexpected move, but their shared command quickly causes a minor conflict. Octavius openly defies Antony’s order to take the left side of the field, stating, ‘I do not cross you; but I will do so’, and insists on taking the right. This moment is significant, as it shows Octavius is no longer content to simply follow Antony’s lead. In the parley, he is less oratorical than Antony but equally firm. He dismisses Brutus’s philosophical points and dramatically draws his sword, swearing it will not be sheathed until Caesar’s ‘three and thirty wounds / Be well aveng’d’. His determination is cold and absolute, reinforcing his role as the unwavering force of retribution.
Questions related to the Character of Octavius Caesar
Q1. How do we see that Octavius has his own mind?
Q2. Why does Octavius dismiss Brutus?
Character Sketch of Marcus Brutus
Marcus Brutus enters the scene as the noble, philosophical general, yet he is clearly under immense pressure. He initiates the parley, suggesting that ‘Words before blows’ are preferable, maintaining his preference for reason over violence, even on the battlefield. When the discussion turns to insults, Brutus attempts to hold the moral high ground, arguing, ‘Good words are better than bad strokes’, but his attempts to remain dignified are continually undermined by Antony’s venom. His most critical moment comes when Cassius questions him about the possibility of defeat. Brutus initially falls back on his Stoic philosophy, rejecting suicide as ‘cowardly and vile’. However, he quickly contradicts this principle when faced with the shame of being led in triumph, declaring he would never go ‘bound to Rome’. This contradiction reveals the deep conflict between his philosophical ideals and the practical, harsh realities of his political life. He ends the scene with a moving, final farewell to Cassius, acknowledging the tragic uncertainty of the day.
Questions related to the Character of Marcus Brutus
Q1. What does Marcus support and why?
Q2. What contradiction is seen in the philosophical ideas and practical reality of Brutus’ political life?
Character Sketch of Cassius
Cassius is depicted as the more pragmatic and apprehensive of the conspirators. He is visibly anxious throughout the scene, especially after the parley. In the verbal exchange, he is quick to counter Antony’s insults with his own sharp wit, accusing Antony’s words of robbing ‘the Hybla bees’ of their honey. More importantly, Cassius reveals his deep sense of pessimism and superstition to Messala. He abandons his former adherence to Epicurean philosophy (which dismissed omens) and is now terrified by the sight of scavenger birds i.e. ravens, crows, and kites circling their army, interpreting it as a fatal omen. This psychological breakdown highlights his volatile and passionate nature, contrasting with Brutus’s initial reserve. He pushes Brutus to consider the worst-case scenario, leading to their famous final parting. His closing line, ‘The storm is up, and all is on the hazard’, perfectly captures the desperate situation.
Questions related to the Character of Cassius
Q1. How do we see that Cassius is superstitious?
Q2. Why do Brutus and Cassius part ways?
Character Sketch of Other Characters (Messenger, Lucilius, Messala)
The Messenger has a brief but important role, appearing early to confirm that the enemy is approaching in force and that the battle is imminent. This detail forces the generals to finalize their preparations. Lucilius and Messala are loyal officers who serve as confidantes to their respective generals. Lucilius speaks only a single word i.e. ‘My lord’ when Brutus calls him aside, demonstrating his quiet loyalty. Messala is the recipient of Cassius’s superstitious fears and premonition of death. He attempts to offer a word of comfort ‘Believe not so’, but ultimately serves to absorb Cassius’s distress, highlighting the weight of doom that has fallen upon the conspirators’ camp.
Questions related to the character of Other Characters
Q1. How do the servants show their loyalty?
Q2. Describe the messenger’s role.