Brutus and Cassius: Character Foils in Julius Caesar

In the play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, the two

main characters are presented as foils to each other. Brutus

and Cassius, two of the lead conspirators whom arranged the

assassination of the Roman political figure Julius Caesar, remain

in direct contrast throughout the play. Although they do succeed

in the murder of Caesar and victory in the battle that ensues,

there is discord because of their conflicting attitudes especially

evident in their personality traits, motives in conspiracy, and

military strategies.

Cassius is an ambitious man. He plots, he schemes, he will

cheat and he will take bribes to get what he wished. He sees

people for what they are and he is a good judge of human nature.

When Caesar’s good friend Antony wishes to speak at his funeral,

he asks Brutus if he may do so. Brutus consents, because Antony

promises to not say anything that may implicate the conspirators

to the people of Rome, however, Ca...