Summary of Julius Caesar
Act 1, Scene 1 Abstract
* Flavius and Marullus, two tribunes, stop some commoners in the street. They want to know why the people are not at work today. * A cobbler tells them that the people have made today a holiday for themselves and are going see Caesar, who is returning to Rome victorious over
Pompey.* Marullus calls the people disloyal and tells them to go home and beg for forgiveness from the gods for their ingratitude. * Flavius suggests they make their way to the Capitol separately and break up any other groups of people on their way to praise Caesar.
Act 1, Scene 2 Abstract
* Caesar tells Marc Antony to remember to touch Calpurnia as he makes his way through the street. Such an action was believed to cure barrenness. * A soothsayer calls out to Caesar who tells him to "beware the ides of March" (March 15). Caesar dismisses the man as a dreamer. *
Cassius asks Brutus if he will run in the race, to which Brutus replies he is not much of a sportsman. Cassius says Brutus has not been himself lately.
* Cassius tells Brutus he has a proposition for him. Brutus replies that it had better be honorable because he loves honor more than he fears death.* Brutus says he loves Caesar but does not want him to be king. Cassius points out that they are the same as Caesar if not better. * Brutus says he thinks he knows what Cassius is suggesting and asks him not to talk of it more for the present and let him think about it. * Marc Antony offered Caesar the crown three times and though the crowd urged him to take it, Caesar refused each time. The people were glad Caesar refused the crown because it showed his humility. * Cassius needs Brutus because Caesar hates Cassius but loves Brutus. He is going to write fake letters to Brutus urging him to kill
Caesar so he will think the people want him to do so.
Act 1, Scene 3 Abstract
* Cicero and Casca meet on the street. Cicero asks why Casca is breathless and frightenedlooking. Casca is afraid of the storm that rages about them. * Casca has seen a man's arm catch fire, but he did not seem to feel it, and he passed a lion, but it did not disturb him. An owl was seen in at noon in the marketplace.* Casca believes there must be "civil strife in heaven" for all of these awful portents to be occurring. Cicero is unconcerned and says that people will interpret things as they think to be right. * Cassius enters, apparently enjoying the chaos occurring in the city. He tells Casca he even undid his shirt and presented his chest to be struck by lightening.* He points out that the senate plans to establish Caesar as king tomorrow, so that must be what the warnings are about. Cassius says he cannot let a tyrant rule Rome. * He says that if Rome serves "so vile a thing as Caesar," then it is "trash" and "rubbish" itself, and Rome must be saved from such a future. Casca agrees to help Cassius in his goal.
* Cinna tells Cassius that the rest of their group waits for him at the colonnade of Pompey's amphitheatre. * Cassius gives Cinna a letter to put on Brutus's chair in the senate chamber, and letters to throw in Brutus' window.
Act 2, Scene 1 Abstract
* Brutus wonders to himself what should be done about Caesar. He does not have personal dislike for Caesar, and he only would act against him for the common good. * Brutus reads a letter by the light of the meteors in the sky. It asks Brutus to awake and defend Rome against being ruled by a tyrant. Brutus reflects that he has received many letters like this lately.
* Cassius speaks privately with Brutus. When they return to the group, Brutus announces he will join in their plan. However, he does not want to swear an oath with them. * Cassius says that
Marc Antony, because is so loved by Caesar, and because he will give them trouble later, should also be killed. Brutus again objects, asserting that they will "seem too bloody".
* Everyone leaves except Brutus who, when he sees Lucius sleeping, envies his servant's ability to sleep soundly because he does not have cares and worries like Brutus does. * Portia,
Brutus' wife, enters and wants to know what has been bothering him lately. Brutus claims he is

sick, which Portia does not believe.* She proves that she is not too weak to know Brutus' secret by stabbing herself in the thigh. Brutus tells Portia he will tell her everything once he has finished speaking with the person at the door. * Caius enters and warns he is sick. Brutus wishes Caius were not sick because he has a task for him. Caius says he is not sick if noble
Brutus has an honorable task for him.
Act 2 , Scene 2 Abstract
* Caesar comments on the stormy weather and tells a servant to have the priests carry out a sacrifice and tell him what is in store. * Calpurnia begs him to stay home because of the signs occurring in the city: a lion has given birth in the streets, the dead have emerged from their graves, and warriors fight among the clouds. * Caesar replies that he will go out, and that if the gods have determined he is to die, there is nothing he can do about it. He also says that such signs could be meant for anyone. * Calpurnia disagrees saying, "When beggars die there are no comets seen;/ The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes." Caesar says he would be a coward if he feared death.* The servant returns and informs Caesar that the priests urge him to stay at home today. Their readings of the sacrifices foretell danger, since they could not find a heart in the animal. * Calpurnia kneels and begs again that Caesar stay home, saying that
Antony could tell the senators Caesar is not feeling well. Caesar gives in to his wife's request.
* Caesar tells Decius he will not go to the Senate today because of a dream Calpurnia had.
Decius re-interprets the dream and convinces Caesar to come after all. * The conspirators enter, along with Marc Antony, and Publius, a senator, to escort Caesar to the Senate House.
Caesar is glad to see them, and invites them in for wine before they leave.
Act 2, Scene 3 Abstract
* Artemidorus, a teacher of rhetoric, waits in the street for Caesar. He has a letter that warns him about the conspirators. * He laments that it is difficult for virtue to live without envious people trying to destroy it.* He hopes Caesar will read his letter and live, and believes that if he does not, Caesar will surely die.
Act 2, Scene 4 Abstract
* Portia sends Lucius to the Senate House to see if Brutus and Caesar both look well. She cannot say more to the servant without revealing Brutus's secret. * Lucius leaves and the soothsayer enters on his way to the Capitol. He hopes Caesar will listen to his warnings this time.* Portia asks what he knows of what will happen to Caesar. The soothsayer replies he has no idea, but it will be bad. Portia waits for anxiously for Lucius to return.
Act 3, Scene1 Abstract
* Caesar says, "The ides of March are come," to the soothsayer, as if to prove that nothing has happened to him. The soothsayer points out that the day is not yet over. * Artemidorus says
Caesar should read his letter first because it is personal. Caesar does not read the letter because, as he says, "what touches us ourself shall be last served."
* Popilius Lena, a senator, wishes Cassius well in his endeavour. Cassius pretends ignorance at the remark, but is alarmed and tells Brutus that he thinks they have been found out. * Metellus kneels before Caesar, and he is going to ask that his brother's banishment be revoked. Caesar guesses what he is going to ask and cuts him off, condemning him for grovelling.* The conspirators all join Metellus in his begging. Then they stab Caesar, Casca first, Brutus last.
Caesar says, "even you Brutus?" and dies. * Antony has fled, and people run about in terror as if it was "doomsday." Brutus says that they are Caesar's friends for having shortened the time he has to fear death.* As they are bathing in Caesar's blood, Brutus and Cassius wonder how many times in the future will their deed be re-enacted. * Marc Antony sends a message saying he believes Caesar was royal and loving and thinks Brutus is wise and honest. He wants to meet with Brutus to learn why Brutus thought it right that Caesar die. * Marc Antony enters and laments for Caesar who lays there dead and tells them that if they plan to kill him he will receive it happily, since there is no other place he would rather die than with Caesar. * Marc Antony says he is their friend and hopes to hear their reasons for why they thought Caesar was

dangerous. Brutus answers that they do indeed have reasons; otherwise, this would be a savage act. * Marc Antony asks that he be allowed to show Caesar's body to the people, and speak at the funeral. Brutus agrees. * Marc Antony begs pardon of Caesar for being meek and gentle with these butchers. He prophesies that civil strife will now come over all of Italy, and blood and destruction will become common.
Act 3, Scene 2 Abstract
* The people gather, wanting an explanation for Caesar's murder. Brutus addresses the crowd, telling them that though he loved Caesar, he "loved Rome more," and, thus, had to kill Caesar. *
He asks the crowd if his actions have offended anyone, and the reply is "No." He then tells the crowd he will die if they demand it. The crowd replies "Live, Brutus, live, live!"
* Marc Antony enters with Caesar's body. Brutus prepares to leave, and the common people make to follow him. Brutus implores them to stay and hear Marc Antony's eulogy to Caesar. *
Antony begins his speech by claiming that he has come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. He calls Brutus and the other conspirators "noble" and "honorable men" repeatedly throughout the speech.* He asks how Caesar could be considered ambitious when he turned down the crown three times, wept along with the poor, and always fought to glorify Rome. * He then says that he holds Caesar's Will in his hand, which proves how much Caesar loved the people as he left them all land and 75 pieces of gold.
* The people are furious and want to kill the conspirators. Antony continues to call them honorable, and says they must have reasons for what they did. * They take Caesar's body and plan to burn it at the "holy place," and then move on to the conspirators' houses and burn them down. Antony is pleased with the affect he has had.
* Octavius' servant enters and tells Antony that Octavius is in Rome. Antony plans to go see him. The servant also tells Antony that Brutus and Cassius were seen fleeing the city.
Act 3 Scene 3 Abstract
* Cinna, a poet, walks to Caesar's funeral. He does not want to be out of his house because he has a foreboding feeling. * A group of common people stop him and ask him who he is. They begin beating him, confusing him with Cinna the conspirator.
* Even though Cinna tries to tell them they have the wrong person, the crowd does not listen, and kills him.
Act 4, Scene 1 Abstract
* Marc Antony, Octavius and Lepidus make a list of those who will die for Caesar's murder. The three men have formed a triumvirate. * Lepidus will rule Spain, Antony Gaul, and Octavius will have Africa, Sardinia and Sicily. * Marc Antony sends Lepidus to get Caesar's will. He hopes to be able to alter it so that they can reduce the money paid out to Caesar's beneficiaries. * When
Lepidus leaves and Antony reveals his dislike for the man, and his reluctance to share power with him. Octavius believes Lepidus is a good man and a seasoned soldier
* Marc Antony compares Lepidus to his horse, and implies that he may remove Lepidus at some point.
* Their attention at this point, however, must be focussed on Brutus and Cassius who are raising an army and planning to take power and rule Rome.
Act 4, Scene 2 and 3 Abstract
* Brutus has set up camp with his armies near Sardis. He is approached by Lucius, who has just returned from a meeting with Cassius. * Brutus is worried that Cassius' feelings towards Brutus have changed for some reason. Lucius tells Brutus that Cassius was polite but not as he used to be around them.
* Cassius then arrives with his armies and accuses Brutus of having wronged him. Brutus says he does not wrong his enemies, let alone his friends. * He suggests that they should not quarrel in front of their men, and suggest they have their discussion in his tent, and tell the men to move away some distance. Cassius agrees.
* Cassius says Brutus wronged him by disgracing Lucius Pella for taking bribes from the

Sardinians, and dismissing the letter Cassius wrote in the man's defense. * Brutus also accuses
Cassius of having an "itching palm" when it comes to money. Cassius is extremely offended by such an insult. * Cassius offers Brutus his dagger and his chest for Brutus to stab if he will. The two men calm down and forgive each other.
Act 4, Scene 3
* Cassius says he is surprised Brutus got so angry with him. Brutus explains that he is "sick of many griefs; his wife killed herself by swallowing fire. * Octavius and Antony have put to death between seventy and a hundred senators, Cicero being one of them. The armies are making their way towards them. * Brutus begins to read to tire himself when the ghost of Caesar appears. Brutus asks the ghost what it is and it replies, "thy evil spirit," and promises that it will meet Brutus again at Philippi.
Act 5, Scenes 1 through 4, Abstract
* Antony tells Octavius to secretly take his army up the left side of the battlefield. To Antony's exasperation, Octavius refuses and says he will go up the right side. * The two sides meet to parley, with each side insulting the other. Brutus and Cassius deny they are traitors, while Marc
Antony and Octavius accuse them of being the worst kind.
* Cassius admits his anxiety about the coming battle. He never used to be a superstitious man, but today there have been ominous signs —; ravens, crows, and kites flying overhead. *
Brutus says he will not kill himself as Cato did. Cassius asks if he would rather be led in a triumph through Rome. Brutus answers that he would never submit to that.
* Brutus sends Messala to take orders to the legions on the other side of the battlefield to come down from the hills and attack Octavius' wing because it is weakening.
* Titinius reports that Brutus gave the order to attack Octavius too early and now their forces are breaking apart. * Cassius asks Titinius to take his horse and go see if the troops surrounding his tents are friends or enemies. * Titinius is enclosed by horsemen who take him and shout for joy.
Cassius is depressed, thinking his friend has died. * Cassius promises Pindarus, whom Cassius took prisoner and made his servant, that he will be made a free man if he helps Cassius kill himself. * Messala and Titinius, enter telling Cassius that Brutus' forces have overthrown
Octavius' forces. The men that surrounded Titinius were telling him the good news and shouting for joy. * Titinius lays the wreath of laurel Brutus had instructed him to give Cassius on the dead man's brow, and using Cassius' sword, kills himself. * Brutus enters and sees his two dead friends. He comments that Caesar is mighty even in death, since he has caused them to turn their swords on themselves.
* Brutus urges his men to "yet hold up your heads!" after which Cato is killed and Lucilius captured. * Lucilius offers money for the soldier to kill him, claiming that he is Brutus. The soldier says Brutus cannot be killed, and he takes him to Marc Antony. * Marc Antony knows Lucilius is not Brutus, and Lucilius says Brutus would never be taken prisoner. * Marc Antony orders
Lucilius kept alive and treated kindly, and sends someone to find out if Brutus is alive or not.
* Brutus tells Volumnius that Caesar's ghost has visited him two separate times: once at Sardis in his tent, and again on the battlefield. As a result, he knows it is time for him to die. * He says it is nobler for them to "leap" into death than be "pushed" in by the enemy, and asks Volumnius to hold his sword so he can kill himself.
Act 5, Scene 5 Abstract
* Brutus tells the other men to leave and he will follow. Strato, his servant, remains with him. At
Brutus' request, Strato holds the sword while Brutus falls on it. * Lucilius is glad to see that what he said of Brutus was true that he would not allow himself to be taken prisoner. Octavius announces he will take into service all of the men who followed Brutus. * Marc Antony says
Brutus was noble, and of all the conspirators, Brutus was the only one who did the deed out of what he thought was commitment to the greater good, not envy.