Coriolanus

Roles

• Caius Martius - Adult (36-50), Male

About this piece

Caius Martius identifies himself

Summary

The play is set in the city of Rome and is based on the legendary Roman general Gaius Martius Coriolanus. In the first scene of the play Caius Martius and several Roman rulers have to deal with a riot of the common people that are protesting because of a shortage of grain. A war soon breaks out between Rome and a neighboring tribe, the Volscians, led by Tullus Aufidius. After a hard battle, Gaius Martius manages to conquer the Volscian's city or Corioles and, having fought with valor, is given the nickname "Coriolanus" because of that. When he returns to Rome, the Senate decides to make him consul and they ask him to get the approval of the plebeians by narrating his war stories to the public. The common people accept to vote for him at first, but after two tribunes who oppose Coriolanus, Brutus and Sicinius, rally against him in public, they decide not to vote for him. This enrages Coriolanus who speaks out against the common people. He is banished from Rome and decides to join the Volscians and Tullus Aufidius agains the Romans. In scene 5 of ACT IV, Coriolanus goes to Tullus Aufidius' house and demands to talk to him. He doesn't recognize him as he is dressed as a commoner. He introduces himself, tells him that he has been banished and will now help him to defeat Rome.

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