Act I - Opponents of Caesar break up a gathering of citizens who want to celebrate his triumphant return from war. On his way to the arena, Caesar is stopped by a stranger who warns him that he should 'Beware the Ides [15th] of March.' Cassius and Brutus, Roman Senators, fear Caesar will accept the common people's offers to become King. Caesar had recently gained even more power and the people treated him like a god. Cassius is jealous of Caesar, but Brutus has a more balanced view of the political situation. Casca tells them that the commoners offered Caesar a crown three times, and he refused it every time. They remain wary of Caesar's ambition.
Act II - Cassius and Cinna plant letters making it appear that common people are asking Brutus to help depose Caesar. The conspirators visit Brutus late at night in his home to persuade him to join them. Brutus sees himself as a liberator and join the conspirators in the assasination plans. He is troubled by what is to come, but refuses to confide in his devoted wife, Portia. On March 15, Caesar's wife, Calpurnia, urges him not to go to the Senate. She had dreams of Caesar's bloody death and fears the portents of overnight storms and supernatural events that happened that night.
Act III - Caesar is nevertheless persuaded by flattery to go to the Capitol, where he is assasinated. Against Cassius' advice, Brutus allows Mark Antony to speak a funeral oration for Caesar under the condition that first Brutus must address the people to explain the conspirators' reasons and their fears for Caesar's ambition. After Brutus speaks, the crowd becomes calm and supports his cause. When Antony speaks, he questions the motives of the conspirators and reminds the crowd of Caesar's benevolent actions and of his refusal to accept the crown. He also reads them Caesar's will, in which Caesar leaves public land and money to each Roman citizen. Antony's speech stirs the crowd into a murderous riot, and the conspirators are forced to flee from the city.
Act IV - Brutus and Cassius gather an army in Northern Greece and prepare to fight the forces led by Mark Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus. Brutus stoically receives news of his wife's suicide in Rome. Brutus accuses Cassius of taking bribes and they quarrel over funds for their soldiers' pay. After making amends, they prepare to engage Antony's army at Philippi, despite Cassius' misgivings about leaving the high ground and basing their whole future on one battle. Brutus sees Caesar's ghost as he tries to rest and is unable to sleep on the eve of the conflict.
Act V - The Republicans (led by Brutus) appear to be winning the battle, but misunderstandings lead to further tragedy.
The Roman Republic, one of the earliest examples of a representative democracy, was created so that one person would never wield too much power. Authority was divided among several institutions including the Senate (nobles) who could pass resolutions and advise the Consuls (military leaders). The common people were represented by the Council of Plebs, and Magistrates created legislation. The nobility used their position in the Senate and as Magistrates (elected officials) to enact favorable policies for the wealthy. The common people resented the corruption of the nobles whom they felt did not seek the common good. Maintaining the Republic became increasingly difficult as the area conquered by Rome expanded, while bribery and corruption became even more widespread. After Julius Caesar was assassinated, Octavius told the Romans that he was the only one who could save them - and they believed him.
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