Caesar and Cleopatra: Analysis of Major Characters
"Caesar and Cleopatra: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the complex dynamics between key figures in the historical narrative of Julius Caesar and Queen Cleopatra of Egypt. Julius Caesar is depicted as a pragmatic middle-aged leader, whose encounter with the youthful Cleopatra reveals a mix of fascination and detachment. Cleopatra, at sixteen, is characterized as an excitable figure caught in a power struggle with her brother and husband, Ptolemy Dionysus, showcasing her aspirations for the crown and a tumultuous sense of self-love. Ptolemy Dionysus serves as both rival and family, ultimately facing defeat in battle against Caesar.
Additional characters enrich the narrative, such as Ftatateeta, Cleopatra's strict nurse, whose oppressive nature leads to conflict, and Rufio, a loyal Roman officer who plays a pivotal role in Ftatateeta's demise. Britannus, Caesar's dutiful secretary, adds a layer of loyalty and conventionality to the mix. The interplay among these characters highlights themes of ambition, power, and personal growth, inviting readers to reflect on the intricacies of leadership and love in a historical context. This analysis provides insight into the motivations and relationships that define the legacy of these iconic figures.
Caesar and Cleopatra: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: George Bernard Shaw
First published: 1901
Genre: Play
Locale: Egypt
Plot: Comedy
Time: Autumn 48—Spring 47 b.c.e.
Julius Caesar, the dictator of Rome and conqueror of the world. A middle-aged, rather prosaic man, he meets the childish Cleopatra on a moonlit night in the desert. Although fascinated and rather amused by the beautiful child, he is too practical and detached to be enthralled by her charms. He forces her out of her childishness and teaches her statecraft that makes her truly the queen of Egypt.
Cleopatra, the sixteen-year-old queen of Egypt. An excitable schoolgirl, she is at war with her husband-brother, Ptolemy Dionysus, for the crown. She believes herself to be in love with the elderly Caesar, who forces her to assume her dignity as queen, but she really loves only herself. At the end of the play, she is looking forward to the arrival of the young and handsome Antony.
Ptolemy Dionysus, Cleopatra's brother, husband, and rival for her crown, killed in battle against Caesar.
Ftatateeta, Cleopatra's bullying and savage nurse, against whom the queen finally revolts, at Caesar's instigation. She is killed by Rufio.
Britannus, Caesar's secretary. The eternal Englishman, conventional and easily shocked, he is doggedly faithful to Caesar.
Rufio, a Roman officer and the slayer of Ftatateeta.
Pothinus, Ptolemy Dionysus' guardian. He plots against Caesar and, at Cleopatra's instigation, is killed by Ftatateeta.
Apollodorus, a Sicilian.