Coriolanus Act I- Characterization of Coriolanus

What is Shakespeare’s larger purpose in his characterization of Coriolanus in Act I? 

Act 1 of Shakespeare play “Coriolanus, 1605-1608’, opens up in Rome, where angry plebeians are rioting against the senates of Rome; this automatically introduces the play as political play. Throughout the play, Shakespeare used aspects such as indirect and direct characterisations to elucidate his qualities such as his heroic approach and leadership skills that portray him as the brave roman warrior, however, shares a different relationship with the common plebeians of Rome. 

Act 1, Scene 1 sets the scene as we are introduced with a conflict; the plebeians vs the patricians. The plebeians are rioting and have planned to express their feelings against the patricians due to the partisans consuming grain (corn) during a tough time where they are going through famine (Shortage of food). Within the riots of the plebeians, they single out a common enemy. Caius Martius is first introduced to the readers in Act 1, Scene 1 (Page 17), his introduction to the play began with an aggressive approach towards the plebeians of the Roman city , using vicious terms such as “dissentious rogues”, insinuating that the plebeians are dishonest beings who are simply seen as scabs. Shakespeare introduces Caius Martius in this manner to justify and help the reader understand why the plebeians chanted hateful comments in his name, as evident in the opening scene in Act 1, Scene 1, (Page 7) “First, you know Caius Martius is the chief enemy of the people”. Moreover, the plebeians continued to demonstrate the hatred to Caius Martius in Act 1, Scene 1, (Page 8) “Against him first: he’s a very dog to the commonalty”. Shakespeare introduces his character in the manner to give readers an understanding of two things; why do the plebeians hate Caius Martius despite his loyal services for his country. And second, the characterization of the protagonist and his tragic flaws which are a foreshadow for the plot, which is his downfall in Act V of the play. Furthermore, we identify more with Caius Martius within the introduction of other characters, such as his closest  Menenius,  who used a body parable metaphor and compared the senates to a human belly. And his mother Volumia  who encourages her son’s violence nature as evident in Act 1, Scene 3,(Page 31) “ If my son were my husband, I should freely rejoice in that absence wherein he won honour than in the embracement’s of his bed where he would show most love.” Not only does this show who Volumia is as a character but also demonstrates where Caius Martius gets his motivation and love for war. 

The battle at Corioles with the Volsces, however, demonstrated the other side of Caius Martius, as a brave and loyal warrior, who was seen as a leader to his men, despite not leading the army during the battle (Cominius and Titus Lartius as leading generals).Similarly enough, Caius Martius adapts the same vulgar and rude attitude with his soldiers as he did to the plebeians. Saying things such as "Shames of Rome"? "Boils and plagues"? "Souls of geese” as he curses his men for their cowardly behaviour. Nevertheless, despite the abusive words; the soldiers still looked up to him to lead them to victory and to defeat their enemies; the Volsces. Throughout Caius Martius motivational speeches, Shakespeare uses indirect characterisation within his long dialogues to his men that reveal to us more about him. An example of this can be identified in Act 1, Scene 6, (Page 55) “If any think brave death outweighs bad life, And that his country’s dearer than himself; Let him alone, or so much so minded, Wave this to express his disposition And follow Martius.” As he waves his sword. This contrasts with the idea that the plebeians have on him when marking him as the “common enemy” of Rome. When in reality, identifies Rome as more important than himself. In addition to his heroic and motivational speeches, Caius Martius still comes across as a humble being who respects soldiers and commanders fighting in the name of Rome. As evident in Act 1,Scene 6 (Page 51) “ As with a man busied about decrees: Condemning some to death and some to exile; Ransoming him, or pitying, threatening the other; Holding Corioles in the name of Rome, Even like a fawning greyhound in the leash, To let him slip at will.” Upon asked on Titus Lartius.  Lastly, Shakespeare also demonstrates Caius Martius heroic rather than discussing it, as he singles handily defeats his the Volsces and opens the gates of Corioles in the name of Rome. As seen throughout most Shakespearean plays, Caius Martius demonstrates demigod like ability. 

Upon his return to the city of Rome, with a new name “Coriolanus” we begin to identify his vulgar attitude with the plebeians, leaving us to understand that Coriolanus is an on the battle commander and hero for Rome, however, is seen as the enemy in Rome.