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Overview
Synopsis
Based on true events in Roman history, Julius Caesar tells the story of the powerful ruler brought down by the betrayal of those he held dear.
Julius Caesar has just emerged victorious in a series of Roman civil wars and has become extremely popular with the populous. A fellow general, Cassius, organizes a group of conspirators -- including Caesar's close friend, Brutus -- to stop Caesar from becoming a tyrant. Meanwhile, Caesar ignores warnings from both a soothsayer and his wife, Calpurnia. The conspirators approach him with a fake petition so that they may crowd around Caesar, and then stab him to death. Caesar fights back at first, but when he sees Brutus takes his turn, Caesar gives in to his fate.
Shakespeare’s play not only features the events leading up to the assassination of Caesar, but also details the subsequent war and political turmoil that followed. This thrilling historical drama has been beloved by audiences for centuries, and contains many fantastic monologues for young actors interested in working with iambic pentameter!
Show Information
- Book
- William Shakespeare
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Plutarch's Lives
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 5
- First Produced
- 1599
- Genres
- Drama, Historical/Biographical
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- rome, 44 BC
- Cast Size
- large
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Diverse Cast, Ensemble Cast, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen, Young Adult, Elderly, Early Teen Characters
Context
Julius Caesar takes place in Rome during a time when the empire was in a precarious state: military leaders and senators were constantly competing with one another to be in control of the world’s greatest superpower. Julius Caesar emerged as Rome’s most popular politician and general, and managed to take control after winning great acclaim during his military career. Although he was by most standards a very good ruler, his absolute authority made many citizens nervous. Fearful of being
to read the context for Julius Caesar and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
The play opens with citizens of Rome celebrating the triumphant military leader, Julius Caesar. On the feast of Lupercal, a soothsayer addresses Caesar, warning him to “beware the ides of March,” meaning the fifteenth of March. He unfortunately ignores this.
Meanwhile, Brutus and Cassius speak privately. Brutus is a highly respected Roman and a leader in the community. Cassius is a citizen of Rome who is known for being very serious and well-read. Cassius attempts to convince
to read the plot for Julius Caesar and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
|
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
|
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
Lowly
Referring to life in England under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, 1558-1603.
When a writer hints to the audience about an event that will happen later, usually in the form of dialogue.
A symbol of the unpredictable nature of fate. The wheel is spun by the goddess Fortuna at random, and can cause some people to suddenly have great fortune while others suffer miserable fates.
A London playhouse built in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, Shakespeare's playing company.
A scoundrel; a young man or boy; a servant
(verb) Join together; also used as an exclamation meaning "by Mary"
A prediction, often used in classical theatre to foreshadow tragic events.
A speech given by a character that reveals inner thoughts only shared with the audience.
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.
Archaic form of "why"
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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