Julius Caesar

Antony and Octavius squabble before meeting Brutus and Cassius in the field for a parley, and Octavius resents being told what to do by Antony. Brutus and Cassius arrive with their armies and each side accuses the other of merely making a show of bravery. Antony and Octavius leave, and Brutus consults with Lucilius while Cassius consults with Messala. Cassius reveals that it is his birthday, and that while he is not generally prone to believing in omens, he believes that seeing vultures follow the army to Philippi and then depart means that they will be deafeated.

Brutus is with his army in the field. He asks Lucilius how his meeting with Cassius went, and is dismayed to learn that Cassius seemed to be acting coldly. Cassius arrives, and Brutus asks to speak privately. Cassius complains about Brutus disciplining one of Cassius’ subordinates, and Brutus in turn accuses Cassius of taking bribes. Brutus argues that they must wage war honorably, or the killing of Caesar was hypocritical. Cassius contends that a practical approach is the only way to win the war.

Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus are coming up with a list of senators to assassinate, including a Lepidus' brother and Antony’s nephew. When Lepidus leaves, Antony expresses his disdain for him, to Octavius’ surprise. Antony explains that he plans to use Lepidus when fighting against Brutus and Cassius, but to deny him any real power once the conflict is over.

A poet named Cinna is confronted by a group of conspirators asking questions. He attempts to answer them wittily, but they become angry and decide to kill him because he has the same name as one of the conspirators, although he protests that he is not the same man.

The citizens demand answers regarding Caesar’s death. Brutus makes a speech explaining that although he valued Caesar as a friend, it was appropriate to kill him for his ambition, and that he did so with the good of Rome in mind. He challenges the crowd, saying that anyone who loves his freedom must stand with Brutus. Mark Antony enters with Caesar’s body. The crowd clamors for Brutus, and Brutus tells them to listen to Mark Antony. The plebeians are reluctant to listen to Mark Antony at all, claiming that Caesar was a tyrant.

The soothsayer again warns Caesar. Artemidorus insists that what he has to say is of great importance to Caesar personally, but Caesar brushes him off. Metellus Cimber presents a petition to Caesar: he wishes to have his banished brother forgiven. Caesar denies him, bragging of his constancy. The other conspirators try to insist, but Caesar denies them all. Casca stabs him first, and the other conspirators follow, last of all Brutus. Caesar dies, shocked.

Portia tries to send Lucius to the senate to see what is going on, but she doesn’t give him very clear instructions, and he is confused. She says to tell her exactly who is talking to Caesar, and then hears a loud noise. The soothsayer enters, and Portia questions him; he says he is on his way to the Capitol to warn Caesar as he approaches, for although he does not definitively know of some plot against Caesar, he is afraid that one exists. Portia finally sends Lucius to speak to Brutus after the soothsayer leaves.

Artemidorus reads a letter he has written, which warns Caesar not to trust the conspirators. He plans to hand it to Caesar before he gets to the Capitol.

Caesar remarks on the stormy night and his wife’s bad dreams. He asks the priests to do an animal sacrifice to see what the future holds for him. Calpurnia enters and begs Caesar not to go to the senate that day, as she has a strong feeling he will be in danger after having a dream about Romans drinking Caesar’s blood. Caesar insists that he is unafraid--everyone dies anyway. The priests report that they found no heart in the sacrificed animal--a traditionally bad omen--which Caesar interprets as the gods rebuking any potential cowardice.

Brutus is awake late at night. He tries to justify killing Caesar, saying that although Caesar seems honorable now, there is too great a risk that he may be corrupted by power. Brutus reads one of the letters that was left for him. The letter accuses him of not taking action to prevent corruption in Rome.