In an essay, compare and contrast the characters of Antony, Brutus, and Cassius. In what ways do they differ from one another? What traits do they share? Give specific examples to support your statements about each character.
Both Antony and Brutus tend to keep emotion from interfering with their professional roles, but Antony is calculating, mercenary, and hypocritical, while Brutus is sincere and strives to be virtuous. Unlike Brutus and Antony, Cassius is an emotional character. Like Antony, he is eager for personal power and is often dishonest. Like Brutus, Cassius at times shows signs of having a conscience. Students should cite examples of the men’s behavior in Act IV that demonstrate each character trait.
