Guide Note

Coriolanus is a classic tragedy by William Shakespeare based on the life of the legendary Roman leader, Gaius Martius Coriolanus.

Fast Facts

1. Writer: William Shakespeare
2. Written: 1608
3. Setting: Various parts of Italy and the Roman Empire
4. Primary source: Life of Coriolanus - Plutarch
5. First Publication: 1623
6. ISBN 1903436648
7. First performance: 1682 at Drury Lane
8. Ran for 4 performances on Broadway in 1938
9. Famous actors to portray Coriolanus: Laurence Olivier, Ian McKellen, Gerard Butler, Ralph Fiennes

Coriolanus tells the story of the proud Roman warrior Gaius Martius, who leads Rome to victory against its enemy the Volscians. The Senate offers to make Coriolanus consul. Before he can accept the position he must plead for the votes of the plebeians, whom he derides. Two Roman tribunes, Brutus and Sicinius view Coriolanus as an enemy of the people, and organize an opposition to him. Angered by this opposition, Coriolanus rails against the idea of popular rule and is exiled from Rome. Desiring revenge against Rome, Coriolanus appeals to his former enemy, the Volscian general Aufidius, and helps them lead a successful campaign against Rome. Coriolanus' mother Volumnia successfully convinces her son to end his march on Rome. Coriolanus and Aufidius return to Antium victoriously. Aufidius however, jealously declares Coriolanus's failure to take Rome as treachery and in the ensuing argument, some of Aufidius' men assassinate Coriolanus.

• Caius Martius: later Coriolanus, A Roman general
• Volumnia: Coriolanus's mother
• Menenius: A Roman nobleman and a friend to Coriolanus.
• Brutus: A Roman tribune elected by the common people as their representative in the government.
• Sicinius: A Roman tribune and Brutus' ally
• Tullus Aufidius: A general of the Volscians, Rome's enemy.

• "He's a very dog to the commonalty." 1.1

• "Nature teaches beasts to know their friends." 2.1

• "What is the city but the people?" 3.1

• "O! a kiss long as my exile, sweet as my revenge!" 5.3