Antony + Cleopatra questions:
CHARACTER QUESTIONS - CLEOPATRA
1. Act 1, scene 1.
Before we meet Cleopatra we are given Rome’s negative view of her. How does this influence the audience’s first
impressions of her? What does Cleopatra demand of Anthony? What do we learn of her relationship with him? What
does she mean by ‘Excellent Falsehood!’ (line 40)
2. Act 1, scene 2.
Why is Cleopatra worried by Antony’s sudden change of mood? Why does Antony say of Cleopatra: “She is cunning
past man’s thought” (line 130)
3. Act 1, scene 3.
What does she try and do to persuade Antony not to leave her and go to Rome? What is revealed of her character by
wiles?
4. Act 1, scene 5.
What does she show of her feelings for Antony in lines 19-28? What does she reveal of her character when talking
about past lovers (lines 28-34)? What makes her show her tempestuous passions? How does she display her
extravagant nature in her language?
5. Act 2, Scene 2
What does Enobarbus’ exotic speech describing Cleopatra on her barge, when first meeting Antony (lines 186-213),
tell you about her? Pick out any key images to show the impact Cleopatra might have had on Antony.
6. Act 2, Scene 5
Cleopatra’s mood changes dramatically during this scene. What happy memories does she have of Antony? What do
we learn about her nature from the way she mistreats the messenger from Rome?
7. Act 3, Scene 3
Cleopatra displays a different mood when she next questions the same messenger about Octavia’s appearance. Why
are the questions she asks important to her?
8. Act 3, Scene 6
Find the criticisms Caeser makes of Cleopatra in this scene. How far do you think they influence the audience’s view
on her character and her relationship with Antony?
9. Act 3, Scene 7
In what ways does Cleopatra involve herself with the tactics of battle? What criticism is made of Antony because of
her influence?
10. Act 3, Scene 10
Why do Cleopatra’s and Antony’s plans fail? In your opinion who, in the eyes of the their followers and the
audience, suffers more for this failure?
11. Act 3, Scene 11
What do you think of Cleopatra’s behaviour as she wins Antony’s forgiveness?
12. Act 3, Scene 13
Cleopatra seems to be accepting Caeser’s view of her relationship with Antony. What does Thidias suggest? Do you
think Cleopatra is being honest with Thidias in what she says? What do you learn of her relationship with Antony
from the wild accusations he makes about her (lines 105-31 and 153-8) and from the way she eventually persuades
Antony of her underlying love for him and renews his self-confidence?
13. Act 4, Scene 5
What do we see of Cleopatra’s relationship with Antony as she prepares him for battle?
14. Act 4, Scene 8
Note down the words used by Antony to describe Cleopatra
15. Act 4, Sc 12
Antony rages against the desertion of Cleopatra’s ships and adopts Rome’s view of her. List the things he calls her in
his rage. Why does Cleopatra leave without calming him down?
16. Act 4, Sc 13
Why does Cleopatra seek refuge in her monument? What message does she send to Antony? Why do you think she
tells him such news?
17. Act 4, Sc 14
What does Antony’s reaction to Cleopatra’s news tell us of their relationship? What do you think of her deception?
18. Act 4, Sc 15
Although Antony is mortally wounded, why do you think Cleopatra refuses to leave her monument? Does this tell
you anything significant about her? What does her lamentation after his death tell you about her love for him?
19. Act 5, Sc 2
What do you think are Cleopatra’s main thoughts – survival or suicide? Does she intend to deceive Caesar? Why
does she not want to be taken to Rome? What aspects of her character are shown during this scene? What
impression is the audience left with from the manner of her death and Caesar’s comments about her?
Character Questions – Antony
1. Act 1, Sc 1
Before we meet Antony we are given Rome’s negative view of his relationship with Cleopatra. Does this influence
our first impressions of him? What does Cleopatra want from him in this scene? What do we learn of their
relationship from this? (What does he mean by ‘Let Rome in Tiber melt (line 33) and ‘Here is my space’ (line 34)?
2. Act 1, Sc 2
What important news comes from Rome? Why must Antony break off from this ‘enchanting Queen’ (line 116)?
3. Act 1. Sc 3
How does Antony answer Cleopatra’s accusations about the reasons for his departure? What do you think of his
reasons? What do you think is more important to Antony – Rome and his duty, or love and Cleopatra? Why does
Cleopatra accuse him of play-acting?
4. Act 1, Sc 4
Antony is criticised by Caesar for his behaviour in Alexandria. What constrasts between Antony and Caesar do you
find in this scene?
5. Act 1, Sc 5
What do we learn of Antony from what Cleopatra says about him and from the messenger Alexas?
6. Act 2, Sc 1
What does Pompey say of Antony’s weakness for Cleopatra? How does this affect both Pompey’s and the audience’s
judgement of Antony?
7. Act 2, Sc 2
What do we learn of the relationships between the 3 leaders of Rome from this scene? What judgement does
Enobarbus offer about Antony’s choice between Cleopatra and Octavia?
8. Act 2, Sc 3
Do you believe the promises that Antony makes to Octavia? What does the soothsayer tell Antony about his
relationship with Caesar? Why does Antony decide to return to Egypt?
9. Act 2, Sc 6
Do you agree with Enobarbus’ prediction of Antony’s future rift with Caesar? What do you think will cause this rift?
10. Act 2, Sc 7
Ceasar’s parting comment is ‘our graver business/Frowns at this levity’ (lines 113-114). What contrasts between
Antony and Caesar from this scene are encapsulated in this comment?
11. Act 3, Sc 1
What do we learn from what Silius says of the actions of powerful men, including Antony?
12. Act 3, Sc 2
What warning does Ceasar give Antony? Do you think Antony’s emotions are honest in this scene? What does the
honest Enobarbus say about Antony? Why do you think Antony catches Caesar in a farewell embrace?
12. Act 3, Sc 4 + 5
What makes Antony start to plan a war against Caesar? What additional reasons are given to Antony?
13. Act 3, Sc 6
What does Caesar say about Antony’s political actions? Does either have a just cause, or is it just about power? Do
Caesar’s comments on Antony’s personal behaviour throw a different light on the situation?
14. Act 3, Sc 7
What do we learn of Antony’s character from his decision to fight at sea?
15. Act 3, Sc 10
Why does Antony flee the battle? How does this fit with accounts of his qualities as a warrior general? What do his
followers now think of him?
16. Act 3, Sc 11
We now see a shamefaced Antony. Is this Antony’s lowest point of the play? What do you think might be going
through his mind about his actions? Do you think this is the first time he is honest with himself? What does his
forgiveness of Cleopatra and thoughts for his followers tell you about Antony?
17. Act 3, Sc 12
What does the audience now think of Antony as he tries to negotiate terms with Caesar?
18. Act 3, Sc 13
What causes Antony’s rage? What do you think of his treatment of Thidias and Cleopatra? Do you think his change of
heart is typical of his character?
19. Act 4, Sc 1
What does Ceasar’s rejection of Antony’s challenge to fight in single combat show you about both characters?
20. Act 4, Sc 2
What do you think of Antony’s speech to his servants? What qualities does Antony display? Are his emotions
honest? What does Enobarbus say about him? Why is the theme of loyalty important in this scene?
21. Act 4, Sc 4
What does this scene show us of the close relationship between Antony + Cleopatra?
22. Act 4 Sc 5, 6 and 9
What does Enobarbus’ decision and Antony’s reaction to it show you of Antony’s character and the strong bond
between the men?
23. Act 4, Sc 7 and 8
How does Antony react to his victory? Look at the contrast between the Antony seen here and the one we saw in Act
3, Sc 11. What is the dramatic purpose of showing Antony celebrating his victory?
24. Act 4, Sc 10 and 11
What does Antony’s decision to risk a second sea battle tell you about his judgement?
25. Act 4, Sc 12
After a second and decisive defeat, Antony rages against Cleopatra for betraying hi. What does this show you of his
character? What does he say about Cleopatra that tells us he has listened to the criticisms of her from Rome? Why
does Cleopatra desert him?
26. Act 4, Sc 14
How does Antony react to news of Cleopatra’s suicide? How is the removal of his armour symbolic? What are your
feelings for Antony during his attempted suicide, knowing the news is false? Do your feelings change when he
discovers the truth too late?
27. Act 4, Sc 15
What are your feelings about Antony as he is taken up to Cleopatra to die in her arms?
28. Act 5, Sc 1
Is Caesar’s tribute (lines 14-48) to Antony appropriate? What parts of his tribute would you (1) agree with, and (2)
disagree with?
Character Questions – Enobarbus
Enobarbus is Antony’s lieutenant, a wordly-wise professional soldier. He does not share the typical Roman view of
Cleopatra, but appreciates her qualities and enjoys the Egyptian lifestyle. He is also a confidante, a cynic, an observer
and acts as a chorus, commenting on the events of the play. He often opens scenes discussing behaviour of the great
ones or advising great ones on their choices. He speaks in asides to the audience, commenting on the action, and he
speaks in asides to others as they observe what is happening on the stage. Sometimes he is left to speak alone,
giving his own insightful opinion on the events that have just taken place. He is perceptive in his political and
personal judgements and is the first to see that Antony will choose Cleopatra over Octavia. He shadows Antony
throughout the play and, though he tries to escape it, his fate seems linked to Antony’s. Although he accurately
predicts the outcome of events, he fails to predict the outcome of his own actions in deserting Antony.
Look at the following key scenes to see the importance of Enobarbus’ role, and trace the path that leads to his death
from a broken heart.
1. Act 1, Sc 2
Enobarbus listens to Antony’s wishes to escape from Cleopatra, disagreeing with Antony’s ‘She is Ccunning past
men’s thoughts’ by offering witty advice about the truth of her love for Antony. He also comments on the death of
Antony’s wife, Fulvia.
2. Act 2, Sc 2
He advises Lepidus on how Caesar and Antony should learn to accommodate one another. He offers to advise
Antony on moderating his behaviour. When he offers some insightful advice about the dealing with the threat of
Pompey, he is rebuked for interrupting Antony. His exotic description of Cleopatra’s first meeting with Antony has
even more impact as it comes from a hard-bitten soldier. His judgement that Antony will never give up Cleopatra, no
matter what he promises to Caesar, shows he knows Antony better than Antony himself.
3. Act 2, Sc 6
He shows his diplomatic skills with Pompeu. Later, alone with Meas, he reflects on the weaknesses of the peace
treaty and, though loyal to Antony, again predicts that Antony will return to Cleopatra.
4. Act 2, Sc 7
On board Pompey’s galley he joins the festivities organising the dancing song.
5. Act 3, Sc 2
The scene opens with Agrippa and Enobarbus openly mocking the triumvirs and their behaviour. Later, in asides,
they mockingly comment on the emotional leave-taking of Caesar and Antony.
6. Act 3, Sc 5
Eros reports to Enobarbus Caesar’s increasing power.
7. Act 3, Sc 7
Enobarbus tries but fails to persuade Cleopatra not to be present in Antony’s camp, as she will be a distraction. He
also fails to persuade Antony that it would be better for him to fight on land.
8. Act 3, Sc 10
First news of Antony’s disastrous defeat at Actium and Cleopatra’s fight from the battlefield is brought by
Enobarbus. Though many desert Antony in defeat, Enobarbus decides to stay, despite his better judgement.
9. Act 3, Sc 13
The scene opens with Enobarbus persuading Cleopatra that Antony was to blame for the defeat, not her. Enobarbus
believes that Antony’s challenge of single combat shows he is losing his faculty of judgement. He debates with
himself about staying with Antony in the present circumstances. However, when he thinks that Cleopatra is plotting
behind Antony’s back, he immediately goes to tell him. Many of his comments are asides, and the scene ends with
Enobarbus thinking that Antony has lost control and he will find a way to leave him.
10. Act 4, Sc 2
Antony seeks Enobarbus’ advice. When asked about how well he will fight in the next day’s battle, Enobarbus gives
an ambiguous reply. With Cleopatra he comments in asides on Antony’s intentions and state of mind, as Antony
makes an emotional leave-taking of his servants. Enobarbus makes an ironic joke of how Antony’s words of gratitude
would turn them all into women by their weeping.
11. Act 4, Sc 5
Antony learns of Enobarbus’ decisions, but does not blame him, sending a note of greetings along with the treasure
he did not take.
12. Act 4, Sc 6
In Caesar’s camp, Enobarbus reviews the fate of others who had deserted Antony. Already he regrets his actions, and
when a messenger brings him news of Antony’s generous actions his regret turns to guilt and despair.
13. Act 4, Sc 9
After the celebratory mood of the previous scene, the death of Enobarbus comes as a sharp contrast. He dies of
melancholy, asking for repentance for the sin of deserting Antony, a man whose nobility he once again recognises in
his dying moments.