Coriolanus

Coriolanus ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same years he wrote Antony and Cleopatra, making them his last two tragedies. Coriolanus is the name given to a Roman general after his military feats against the Volscians at Corioli. Following his success he seeks to be consul, but his disdain for the plebeians and mutual hostility with the tribunes lead to his banishment from Rome. In exile, he presents himself to the Volscians, then leads them against Rome. After he relents and agrees to a peace with Rome, he is killed by his previous Volscian allies. Characters Romans Caius Marcius – later surnamed Coriolanus Menenius Agrippa – Senator of Rome Cominius – consul and commander-in-chief of the army Titus Larcius – Roman general Volumnia – Coriolanus' mother (historically, Veturia) Virgilia – Coriolanus' wife Young Martius – Coriolanus' son Valeria – chaste lady of Rome and friend to Coriolanus' family Sicinius Velutus – tribune Junius Brutus – tribune Roman Citizens Roman Soldiers Roman Herald Roman Senators