Julius Caesar: Brutus as a Tragic Character

JULIUS CAESAR by: Brian Sia

William Wallace, is one of the most renowned freedom fighters in history. However, his arrogance was his most fatal threat. He thought he could go up against King Edward’s forces, but his army was decimated during the battle of Falkirk. No man is perfect. With every great man comes an even greater flaw. Marcus Brutus is no exception. He is what Shakespeare called a “tragic character” – a central character who possesses a critical flaw, and inevitably, meets his downfall.

Brutus’ primary flaw is most certainly his undying love for his country, Rome. He would go to any lengths “if it be aught toward the general good” (p.12), no matter the consequences, even if it means taking his own life, or the life of his best and most loyal friend. Upon considering the idea of joining the conspiracy, he claims that he is willing to “set honour in one eye, and death i’ th’ other…..and look on both indifferently” (p.13). Unlike ...