Character Sketch from ICSE Class 10 English Drama Julius Caesar Act 5, Scene 2 of Brutus and Messala
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 Brutus and Messala from ICSE Class 10 English Drama Julius Caesar Act 5, Scene 2.
- Character Sketch of Brutus
- Questions related to the Character of Brutus
- Character Sketch of Messala
- Questions related to the Character of Messala
Related:
- Julius Caesar Act 5, Scene 2 Summary, Explanation
- Julius Caesar Act 5, Scene 2 Question Answers
- ICSE Class 10 English Lesson Notes
Character Sketch of Brutus
Brutus is the central figure in this brief scene and acts as the decisive general. His appearance here is marked by urgency, confidence, and tactical insight. He enters with the sound of an alarm, indicating the start of the engagement. Brutus has been observing the enemy’s formations and notices a ‘cold demeanor’ or lack of spirit and resolve in the division commanded by Octavius. Recognizing a critical, fleeting opportunity for a preemptive strike, he immediately orders a massive, coordinated attack. His language is commanding and repetitive, ‘Ride, ride, Messala, ride’, and ‘Ride, ride, Messala’, underscoring the desperate need for speed. This scene portrays Brutus not as the philosophical idealist from earlier in the play, but as a military commander attempting to seize the moment and secure a rapid victory before the enemy can rally.
Questions related to the Character of Brutus
Q1. What change in the character of Brutus is shown in this scene?
Q2. How can we see the military leadership of Brutus?
Character Sketch of Messala
Messala is portrayed primarily as a loyal, subordinate officer whose role is to execute Brutus’s critical orders immediately. He is a necessary logistical link in Brutus’s plan. In this scene, Messala has no dialogue; his function is purely to be present to receive and carry out the urgent command. His quick exit with Brutus suggests his immediate obedience to the high-stakes order: to deliver the written instructions to the legions on their flank, ensuring the entire army executes a ‘sudden push’ simultaneously to overwhelm Octavius’s weakening forces. He represents the cogs of the military machine, responsible for translating the general’s strategy into action.
Questions related to the Character of Messala
Q1. Describe the role played by Messala.
Q2. Describe Messala.