Minor Characters
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Octavius
He is shown as a man with a viewpoint who cannot be a follower by any means. To illustrate, although Antony has a poor opinion about Lepidus, Octavius is not reluctant to disagree with Antony, as he demonstrates in his defense of Lepidus "he's a tried and valiant soldier". Another example is shown in his pointing to Antony's error in predicting that Brutus and Cassius will not come to Philippi, most notably his insistence that he will fight on the right-hand side of the battle "Upon the right hand I keep thou the left," and "stir not until the signal". Moreover, Octavius exhibits credible insight in his observation that all who act friendly are not really friends. He knows well that he is in a power struggle with Antony that will intensify after they have defeated their enemies. Yet what is really notable his being shrewd in his political assessments and in his relationship with Antony although their animosity. Furthermore, he is courageous and confident much in himself "Be aveng'd; or till another Caesar/Have added slaughter to the sword of traitors".
Although the readers come to meet some schemers, they might find one of Caesar's few true supporters. Shakespeare's purpose in introducing Artemidorus is to build up the tension leading to actual assassination. "There are no small parts, only small actors," this may be the case for Artemidorous because his role is limited in the play. One feature the readers can grasp is his ability to predict the future. To illustrate, when Artemidorus writes a letter to Caesar warning him from the conspirators "if thou beest not immortal, look about you: security gives way to conspiracy." In other words, he is telling Caesar that feeling too secure and too safe can cause people plot against you. Artemidorus proves that he is one of the only people left who actually support Caesar, rather than pretends to be his friend. Moreover, he also proves his ability to cut his saying short and be straightforward "Caesar, beware of Brutus; take heed of Cassius." Thus this litter not only functions within the plot to warn Caesar of his endangerment but also serves to clarify to the audience who Caesar's friend and foes are.
Casca
It is worth noting that Casca is one of the conspirators who takes part in Caesar's assassination. He truly believes that Caesar's refusal of the crown and fainting spell is an act "Then he offered it to him again; then he put it be again." Moreover, a cheap trick to curry favor with the "hooting." One can deduce from the previous saying that Casca is a cynic! Shakespeare draws his personality contrasts with both Brutus and Cassius. To manifest, he wants to kill Caesar not out of jealousy like Cassius or out of his country's sake just like Brutus, but rather he thinks him a phony. Furthermore, he proves himself as a follower, not a leader "I will set this foot of mine as far/ As who goes farthest." Moreover, when he wants Cicero to join the conspiracy, but Brutus quickly convinces him otherwise "Indeed he is not fit." Also, when he is ordered to kill Caesar himself "you are the first that rears your hand". He needs someone to tell him what to do. Perhaps this is why he first stabs Caesar and takes part in the conspiracy to kill him "Pardon, Caesar; Caesar, pardon." Hence he is one of those who are hunted down and easily manipulated by others. On the other hand, he is a superstitious man who worries when he sees signs that might be interpreted as bad omens "Did I go through a tempest dropping fire/ Either there is a civil strife in heaven/ Or else the world, too saucy with gods."
It is worth noting that Casca is one of the conspirators who takes part in Caesar's assassination. He truly believes that Caesar's refusal of the crown and fainting spell is an act "Then he offered it to him again; then he put it be again." Moreover, a cheap trick to curry favor with the "hooting." One can deduce from the previous saying that Casca is a cynic! Shakespeare draws his personality contrasts with both Brutus and Cassius. To manifest, he wants to kill Caesar not out of jealousy like Cassius or out of his country's sake just like Brutus, but rather he thinks him a phony. Furthermore, he proves himself as a follower, not a leader "I will set this foot of mine as far/ As who goes farthest." Moreover, when he wants Cicero to join the conspiracy, but Brutus quickly convinces him otherwise "Indeed he is not fit." Also, when he is ordered to kill Caesar himself "you are the first that rears your hand". He needs someone to tell him what to do. Perhaps this is why he first stabs Caesar and takes part in the conspiracy to kill him "Pardon, Caesar; Caesar, pardon." Hence he is one of those who are hunted down and easily manipulated by others. On the other hand, he is a superstitious man who worries when he sees signs that might be interpreted as bad omens "Did I go through a tempest dropping fire/ Either there is a civil strife in heaven/ Or else the world, too saucy with gods."
Decius
He is one of the conspirators who participate in trapping Caesar and urging him to go to the capital to meet his fatal destiny. In this sense, one comes to conclude that he owes persuasive skills of convincing others "Never fear that: if he be so resolv'd /I can O'ersway him; for he loves to hear." He convinces Caesar to turn up to the Senate on the "ides of March." In other words, he is able to turn Calphurnia's dream into a reason to attend the Senate by cleverly reinterpreting its negative imagery to instead symbolize Caesar's triumph. Furthermore, Decius is a very clever man and well educated; he knows that Caesar wants to hear his praise. In reaction, he takes advantages of this by saying that Calpurnia's dream is wrongly interpreted "This dream is all amiss interpreted." Hence the readers come to recognize his skillful fashion in convincing others.
Cinna
He is one of the conspirators who schemes with Cassius about to get Brutus to join the conspiracy against Caesar "But win the noble Brutus to our party." Cinne in return fakes notes in Brutus's chair, on his window and on a statue of his relative. Moreover, It is apparent that he is a fraud who cultivates an appearance that is at odds with his reality "liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead." That is to say that he acts as if he is lamenting Caesar's death.
Cicero
He is a senator and a famous orator of Rome. One can figure out his character by coming across "Calm down'. You are overreacting." This line is fair giving enough information about Cicero; he is calm and philosophical. Moreover, he proves his logical sense in the stormy night when Casca reveals how scary omens he supposedly has seen "dropping fire." Cicero clearly thinks that Casca is overreacting, claiming that people often overreact and interpret things very far from their true meaning "but men may construe things, after their fashion." Perhaps Brutus's comment about Cicero is giving the reader a further analysis of his character. For further manifestation, Brutus is saying that Cicero looks as upset and concerned when he is debating a politician at the meeting "looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes." This paints Cicero as someone who takes his opinions and the opinions of others seriously.
Metellus
Metellus's first appearance in the play suggests that he is a man with an insightful view on the matter. To clarify, he suggests inviting Cicero saying "his silver hairs will purchase us a good opinion." That is to say that Cicero's advanced age will make their scheme well thought out and under the direction of someone with a calm and respectable demeanor. Another resemblance situation when he refers to Ligarius as another possible member of their social circle "Caius Ligarius doth bears Caesar hard, who rated him for speaking well of Pompey." He also is shown up as a cunning man who charges with begging Caesar for his brother's repeal, thereby giving the conspirators the opportunity to surround Caesar before killing him "For the repealing of my banish'd brother?"
Lepidus
Another minor character that does not mention very often is Lepidus. Since Shakespeare does not give us much to go on, the readers have to look closely at the times when Lepidus's name is mentioned. One thing the readers have to take into account is Antony's low opinion about Lepidus "Being his fashion. Do not talk of his a property," and "This is a slight unmertiable man, Meet to be sent on errands." In other words, Lepidus is worthless and dumb and it is very shame that he will be sharing power with Antony and Octavius in the triumvirate. Perhaps being inexperienced is the reason for why Antony and Octavius are able to dominate him and make his position in the Triumvirate largely that of a figurehead "To ease ourselves of divers sland'rous loades. He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold." Antony also says "prick'd to die." He counters this comments by saying that Lepidus is like an animal who needs to be lead from one palace to another. Thus he is belittled to a higher degree.
Calpurnia
She is Caesar's wife who exhibits great devotion to him. This comes quite obvious when she dreams of Caesar's body spurting blood like a fountain "which, like a fountain with a hundred spouts." She prevents him from a fatal destiny, yet she fails to convince him. This may exhibit her weak character and lack of influencing her husband, especially when Decius says girls cannot interpret dreams "This dream is all amiss interpreted." Moreover, one can take a closer insight into her character that she is fearful, superstitious, and easily intimidated. She is shaken by terrible dreams, believing that her husband's life is in mortal danger!
PortiaOnce again Shakespeare raises the matter of women's role and their influence over their men. It is quite evident that Portia is trying to learn from Brutus the assassination privacy he is hiding from her "Is it excepted I should know no secrets/That appertain to you? Am I your self." On the other hand, she appears to challenges gender stereotypes about women when she urges Brutus that she should know his secrets. This also puts a scope on being not simply playing the role of doting submissive wife. To exemplify, she insists on knowing the hidden by uttering "when I ask'd you what the matter was, /you stared upon me with ungentle looks." In reaction, Brutus waves his hands. Thus she proves that she is a partner rather than being merely passive. She wants to play an active role in his life not just quietly support him in his unknown quests.
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