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Overview
Synopsis
Titus Andronicus is the most revered general of Rome. Newly returned from his victories against the Goths, Titus looks forward to retirement, especially as these battles have cost him over twenty of his sons. But he has insulted and angered Tamora, the Queen of the Goths and now Empress of Rome. She--along with her sons Chiron and Demetrius--set out to take revenge upon Titus and his family, especially Lavinia, his innocent and virtuous daughter. Alongside the evil schemes of the Goths is Aaron, a Moor and the lover of Tamora, who by the end of the play repents that he ever did one good deed. An early Shakespearean tragedy, marked by visceral and bloody violence, Titus Andronicus is an examination of political turmoil and the destructive passions of revenge.
Show Information
- Book
- William Shakespeare
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Mature Audiences (M)
- Number of Acts
- 5
- First Produced
- 1594
- Genres
- Drama, Horror
- Settings
- Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- rome, 4th century
- Cast Size
- large
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- Large Cast, Mostly Male Cast, College/University, Mature Audiences, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Mature Adult, Elderly, Adult, Child, Young Adult Characters
Context
One of Shakespeare’s earliest tragedies, and the first to appear in print, Titus Andronicus was first performed (likely at Philip Henslowe’s Rose Theatre) in January of 1594, although it may have been written as early as 1590. Some scholars speculate that Shakespeare might have collaborated with another writer to compose the play, but this has never been confirmed.
Titus Andronicus--more so than any of his other plays--is a Roman play, heavily influenced by the style and subject matter of
to read the context for Titus Andronicus and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
In Ancient Rome, brothers Saturninus and Bassianus are ready to battle for who will claim the crown of emperor. Before they can physically fight, patrician Marcus Andronicus announces that his brother, the noble general Titus Andronicus, is returning from war against the Goths. He persuades the brothers to take Titus’ advice; they agree. Titus is welcomed back to the Capitol with a train that includes soldiers, Titus’ four remaining sons, his prisoners (Tamora, Aaron, Alarbus,
to read the plot for Titus Andronicus and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
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Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
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Ensemble |
Male |
Spoken |
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Ensemble |
Male |
Spoken |
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Ensemble |
Male |
Spoken |
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Ensemble |
Male |
Silent |
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Ensemble |
Female |
Spoken |
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Ensemble |
Male |
Spoken |
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Ensemble |
Male |
Spoken |
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Ensemble |
Male |
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Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Happen to or take place
Opinion, judgment, or idea
Lady of rank, mistress; Also, traditional character in British pantomime when female characters are performed by male actors in drag. They are either very camp, or extremely ‘butch’.
Disguise or deceive
Occurs when the audience has information that the characters do not.
Referring to life in England under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, 1558-1603.
The expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
A member of the aristocracy
Temper; depending on the circumstances can refer to irritability or amusement
Formal request
A play that centers around the downfall of the main character through tragic actions and events.
The protagonist, generally someone who is noble or royal, and is brought to a downfall by their own hubris.
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Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress