Unveiling the Multifaceted Marc Antony: A Character Study in Julius Caesar

The Cycle of Marc Antony

When encountering a new person, you typically see the side of them they want you to see. In William Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar, Marc Antony presents the audience an interesting character progression as the play moves along. Each phase in Antony's cycle represents a different side of him, allowing the audience to see him completely revealed. The different cycles that Antony portrays makes him the most fully developed character. For this reason, I believe that is what makes Marc Antony my favorite character in the play.

First, the loyal face of Marc Antony is exposed to the audience. During the traditional race in Lupercal, Caesar tells Antony to touch Calprunia to fertilize here; Antony says, "When Caesar says 'Do this,' it is performed" (I.ii.13). This shows Antony's intense loyalty towards Caesar, as he will complete any task given to him by Caesar without a word of complaint or a moment of hesitation. After the assassination of Caesar, Antony continues to stay loyal to him. Antony wrote to Brutus that he will join Brutus' new government if he agrees with the reason behind the murder of Caesar; however, Antony swears revenge against the conspirators after they leave. After the conspirators leave Antony with the deceased body of Caesar, he furthers his loyalty towards Caesar by having a monologue swearing the revenge against the conspirators. The oath of revenge by Antony shows that his loyalty towards Caesar is timeless; he stays loyal to him even after death.

Order custom essay Unveiling the Multifaceted Marc Antony: A Character Study in Julius Caesar with free plagiarism report

450+ experts on 30 subjects Starting from 3 hours delivery

Get Essay Help

Next, Marc Antony is unmasked and shows his corrupt side. After promising the citizens for what the will of Caesar says, Antony's true intentions are exposed during the meeting with Lepidus and Octavius. Antony says, "Fetch the will hither, and we shall determine How to cut off some charge in legacies" (IV.i.11-12). This line tells the audience that he wants to cut some of the citizens' share of Caesar's will to keep more for himself, despite having promised the citizens a fixed amount right before the meeting. In the same scene, after Lepidus leaves to grab the will, Antony insults Lepidus behind his back by saying, "This is a slight unmeritable man, Meet to be sent on errands" (IV.i.15-16). This shows that Antony does not believe Lepidus is worthy enough to be one of the three men to rule Rome.

Antony then says, "To ease ourselves of divers sland'rous loads, He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold" (IV.i.25-26). The true reason why Antony had Lepidus join the triumvirate was to ease the blame on Antony if they perform unpopular actions, such as misconstruing with Caesar's will.

Lastly, Antony presents his respectful side during the battle against Brutus and Cassius' armies. When Antony sees that Lucilius is only masquerading as Brutus, he says, "Keep this man safe; Give him all kindness. I had rather have Such men my friends than enemies” (V.iv.29-30). These lines display Antony's merciful and respectful side. Antony is only targeting the conspirators and does not want needless casualties, which tells the audience that he is reasonable in the face of revenge. After the death of Brutus, Antony gives a speech exhibiting Brutus' good qualities, "This was the noblest Roman of them all" (V.v.75-76). Instead of boasting his victory, Antony pays tribute and ensures that Brutus is properly buried.

This cycle of Marc Antony allows the audience to fully know and understand who he really is. His dynamic traits allow us to view Antony's full character on both ends of the moral spectrum. Throughout the play, we see his endless loyalty to Caesar, his corrupted and deceiving side, and his respectfulness towards the defeat of an enemy. I believe he is the most complete character because of the various traits he is bounded to, which makes him my favorite character.

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Run a free check or have your essay done for you

Check my essay Hire Writer