Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Brutus is a character in William Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar" who is torn between his loyalty to Rome and his friendship with Caesar. He ultimately joins the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar, believing it is for the greater good of Rome.
Related terms
Marcus Junius Brutus the Younger: This refers to the historical figure on whom Shakespeare based his character Brutus. He was one of the key conspirators in the assassination of Julius Caesar.
Tragic Hero: A tragic hero is a protagonist in a tragedy who possesses noble qualities but also has a fatal flaw that leads to their downfall.
Moral Dilemma: A moral dilemma occurs when someone is faced with two choices, both of which have ethical implications, making it challenging to determine the right course of action.