RALPH: In this scene, Caesar and his entourage attend the Lupercal festival, and we meet almost all of the principal characters in the play.  

SERVILIA: Mark Antony -- sometimes called just Antony -- was one of Caesar’s top generals during the wars in Gaul and in the civil war against Pompey. Now he’s Caesar’s completely loyal right-hand man.

RALPH: Seventeen years younger than Caesar, he’s outgoing and sociable; he’s loved by the soldiers he commands, and he’s popular with the citizens of Rome. He also enjoys the good life and has a reputation as a partier and playboy. In this scene, he’s participating in the Lupercal race and has come dressed in his goatskin attire.

SERVILIA: Brutus and Cassius were two of the political leaders who fought alongside Pompey in resisting Caesar’s government take-over. After their military defeat, Caesar, always the shrewd politician, has granted them amnesty and given them positions in his government.

RALPH: Brutus has been particularly well treated, occupying one of the top posts. Both men, but particularly Cassius, harbor resentment toward Caesar.

SERVILIA: Then there’s Casca. He initially supported Caesar, but he’s starting to become uncomfortable with the new arrangement, even though he also holds a government position. Among friends, he is always sour and constantly ridicules Caesar.

RALPH: Finally, there’s Cicero, the oldest of the group. Famous for his public speaking and moral integrity, he had a successful political career and served a term as consul, the highest elected position in the Roman Republic.  

SERVILIA: He has always championed the value of sharing power in government, so Caesar’s growing influence concerns him. Back in the days when Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus had invited him to join their plot to seize more power, he refused to join them out of principle.

RALPH: Now that Caesar has installed himself as a dictator, Cicero would be willing to align himself with those conspiring to overthrow Caesar. But, being more of an intellectual than a warrior, his contribution could only be through his talents as a persuasive speaker.