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

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

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Titus Andronicus

Lead

Male

Spoken

Lucius

Lead

Male

Spoken

Lavinia

Lead

Female

Spoken

Tamora

Lead

Female

Spoken

Aaron

Lead

Male

Spoken

Marcus Andronicus

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Saturninus

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Bassanius

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Mutius

Featured

Male

Spoken

Publius

Featured

Male

Spoken

Demetrius

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Chiron

Featured

Male

Spoken

Young Lucius

Ensemble

Male

Spoken

Quintus

Ensemble

Male

Spoken

Martius

Ensemble

Male

Spoken

Alarbus

Ensemble

Male

Silent

Nurse

Ensemble

Female

Spoken

Aemilius

Ensemble

Male

Spoken

Clown

Ensemble

Male

Spoken

Ensemble

Ensemble

Male

Songs

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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

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    An archaic word meaning 'to happen to' or 'befall,' often used in poetic or classical contexts.

    An extended metaphor or fanciful idea used in drama or literature to convey complex concepts.

    A traditional comedic female character in British pantomime, typically played by a man in exaggerated costume and makeup.

    To conceal one's true motives or feelings, a frequent tactic in English Renaissance drama.

    Occurs when the audience knows more than the characters on stage, creating tension, humor, or poignancy.

    Relating to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, marked by flourishing English drama and playwrights like Shakespeare and Marlowe.

    A literary device where the intended meaning differs from the literal meaning, often creating contrast or humor. Irony is used in theatre to provoke thought or elicit reactions from the audience by highlighting contradictions in character behavior or plot outcomes.

    A recurring element, such as a symbol, image, or phrase, that reinforces a play’s themes. Motifs help unify the structure of a work and deepen its symbolic meaning.

    A character of aristocratic background, frequently portrayed in plays dealing with class, privilege, or political power.

    Historically associated with melancholy or ill temper, 'spleen' appears in poetic drama to express emotional imbalance.

    A tailored costume representing formality, social status, or time period. Suits are used to define character and context.

    A dramatic genre involving serious themes and the downfall of a protagonist, often evoking catharsis from the audience.

    A protagonist whose downfall results from a fatal flaw, central to classical and modern tragedy.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Cindi Calhoun

Cindi Calhoun

Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress