Character Sketch from ICSE Class 10 English Drama Julius Caesar Act 5, Scene 4 of Brutus, Cato, Lucilius, Antony and Soldiers
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, Cato, Lucilius, Antony and Soldiers from ICSE Class 10 English Drama Julius Caesar Act 5, Scene 4.
- Character Sketch of Brutus
- Questions related to the Character of Brutus
- Character Sketch of Cato
- Questions related to the Character of Cato
- Character Sketch of Lucilius
- Questions related to the Character of Lucilius
- Character Sketch of Antony
- Questions related to the Character of Antony
- Character Sketch of the Soldiers
- Questions related to the Character of the Soldiers
Related:
- Julius Caesar Act 5, Scene 4 Summary, Explanation
- Julius Caesar Act 5, Scene 4 Question Answers
- ICSE Class 10 English Lesson Notes
Character Sketch of Brutus
Brutus appears only briefly at the beginning of the scene, showing his final, desperate attempt to rally his troops amidst the chaos of the battle. His immediate exit suggests he is still actively engaged in the thickest part of the fighting and remains committed to his cause until the very end. Though his words are few, ‘Yet, countrymen, O, yet hold up your heads!’, they underscore his leadership and his enduring commitment to encourage his men even as the battle turns against him.
Questions related to the Character of Brutus
Q1. What character traits does Brutus show?
Q2. What is the contribution of Brutus to the ongoing battle?
Character Sketch of Cato
Young Cato demonstrates extraordinary courage, fervor, and principled idealism. He is not just fighting, but loudly proclaiming his identity and his political stance, emphasizing his noble heritage, ‘son of Marcus Cato’ and his hatred of tyranny, ‘A foe to tyrants’. His bold, self-sacrificing act of drawing attention to himself and his quick death reflect a noble, though perhaps reckless, adherence to the republican cause. He dies with honor, fulfilling his identity as a patriotic Roman noble.
Questions related to the Character of Cato
Q1. How does Cato show patriotism?
Q2. Describe Cato’s character.
Character Sketch of Lucilius
Lucilius emerges as a figure of remarkable loyalty, self-sacrifice, and shrewdness. He deliberately impersonates Brutus to divert attention and potential capture away from his general, proving his willingness to die for his friend. When captured, he maintains his composure, using ambiguous language to keep the real Brutus safe and honor his likely fate. His actions are not motivated by fear, but by a deep, selfless devotion to Brutus. He remains a man of integrity, even in captivity, a quality that is immediately recognized and respected by Antony.
Questions related to the Character of Lucilius
Q1. How does Lucilius show loyalty?
Q2. What qualities of Lucilius make Antony respect him?
Character Sketch of Antony
Antony’s reaction to the captured Lucilius reveals his political maturity, military astuteness, and capacity for pragmatism. He is initially eager to find Brutus, but quickly recognizes Lucilius’s value. Rather than punishing Lucilius for the deception, Antony shows mercy and appreciation, recognizing that ‘A prize no less in worth’ than Brutus is a man of such loyalty and valor. His order to ‘Keep this man safe; / Give him all kindness’ demonstrates his strategic preference for turning valuable enemies into potential friends, solidifying his control and showcasing a wise, unifying leadership style.
Questions related to the Character of Antony
Q1. Describe Antony’s character.
Q2. What acts show that Antony is a wise leader?
Character Sketch of the Soldiers (First and Second)
The soldiers represent the common, pragmatic military perspective, driven by the desire for reward and the excitement of capturing a high-value enemy. The First Soldier shows a rudimentary sense of honor by refusing Lucilius’s bribe to kill him, preferring the reward for a noble prisoner. Their immediate, excited declaration that ‘Brutus is ta’en’ highlights their failure to recognize Lucilius’s impersonation, but also their understanding of the immense political importance of capturing the main conspirator. They are simply following orders and seeking to deliver good news to their general.
Questions related to the Character of the Soldiers
Q1. What is the role of the soldiers?
Q2. What do the soldiers seek?