Who were the Conspirators?
Cassius was a Roman General who commanded part of the Roman fleet, fighting against Julius Caesar in the Civil War between Caesar's forces and those of Pompey (who ruled Rome while Caesar was conquering areas in present day France, Belgium, Germany, and England). After surrendering to Caesar he made Cassius a legate (a high ranking General in the Roman army) and Cassius later served as Senator. He was the leader of the conspirators.
Brutus was a Roman politician and Senator who opposed Caesar in the Civil War. He came from one of the odest and most respected families in the Republic. Caesar granted Brutus amnesty after Pompey's forces were defeated. Brutus felt that Caesar was acting like a King and he was convinced by Cassius to join the conspiritors in the assasination of Julius Caesar. He viewed himself as a Liberator and acted to save the Republic.
Casca was a Roman Tribune who supported Pompey in the Civil War. After Julius Caesar defeated Pompey's forces, Casca begged for mercy and was granted a full pardon. He had been close friends with Caesar prior to the Civil War, but he joined the conspiracy to assisinate him.
Decius Brutus (Decimus) was a Roman General and politician who supported Caesar in the Gallic Wars and fought for Caesar in the Civil War against Pompey, commanding Rome's fleets. Caesar loved Decius like a son, giving Decius a generous inheritance in his will. Though Caesar made Decius a Praetor (a magistrate with significant authority) after the Civil War, Cassius was able to persuade Decius to join the conspiracy to assasinate Caesar.
Cinna was a politician, a Praetor, and the brother-in law of Caesar. Initially an ally of Caesar's, he turned against him because of Caesar's authoritatian nature. In Shakespeare's play, Cassius persuades him to join the assasination conspiracy.
Metellus Cimber (Tillius) was a Senator and influential govenor who was originally one of Caesar's warmest supporters. Seneca states that because he was motivated by ambition he joined the conspirators in the assisination.
Trebonius was a Roman General and politician who served as one of Caesar's most trusted lieutenants in the conquest of Gaul. After the Civil War, Caesar rewarded him with the govenorship of Spain. Later, Caesar promised him govenorship of Asia, but Trebonius joined the conspirators and plotted the assasination of Caesar.
Who supported Caesar?
Mark Antony a cousin, trusted friend, and devoted supporter of Julius Caesar, was one of the most significant leaders in antiquity. Mark Antony served as a General for Caesar, commanding brilliantly during the conquest of Gaul. He also served Caesar with distinction during the Civil War with Pompey. He was a part of Caesar's close inner circle.
Octavius was born into a wealthy, noble Roman family and was Julius Caesar's adopted son and heir. A student undergoing military training, he was eighteen when Julius Caesar was assasinated.
Lepidus was a Roman General, statesman, Senator, and close ally of Julius Caesar. He governed Rome on Caesar's behalf during the Civil War. He secured Caesar's appointment as Dictator and governed Spain after the Civil War.