Antony and Cleopatra · Character

Enobarbus

Antony's plainspoken friend, whose dry asides puncture Roman pomp and who watches his general's decline with a soldier's unflinching, sorrowful eye.

supporting

Also known as Enobarbas, Domitius, Enobarbas Antony, Enobarbas Caesar, Enobarbus

First appearance: act i scene i

As a supporting figure in Antony and Cleopatra, Enobarbus is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Exchanges witty banter with Antony about women and duty; comments on Cleopatra's passions.

In the storyScene IIOpen this moment free

See Enobarbus in Scene II Book page

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Enobarbus moves between Antony's camp and Caesar's with a veteran's ease, trading wry commentary with Agrippa while the great men posture. He loves Antony but sees him clearly, and his loyalty is the kind that keeps…

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The fuller portrait of Enobarbus sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Enobarbus in act i scene i

Character Web

20 connections

A slice of how Enobarbus sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Roman political and military figures
Servants, messengers, and minor allies
Protagonist

+15 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Antony’s degradation: he…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Mark Antony
professional · ambivalent
Enobarbus is Antony's loyal but pragmatic friend and military officer, who eventually… How this plays out →
Mark Antony
professional · ambivalent
Enobarbus is Antony's loyal but pragmatic friend and military officer, who eventually… How this plays out →
Mark Antony
professional · ambivalent
Enobarbus is Antony's loyal but pragmatic friend and military officer, who eventually… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Enobarbus in act i scene i

In the story

Enobarbus appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene II
Exchanges witty banter with Antony about women and duty; comments on Cleopatra's passions.
Scene II
Speaks bluntly to the leaders, then vividly describes Cleopatra's splendor and Antony's devotion.
Scene VI
Remains after the main party to converse with Menas, revealing skepticism about Antony's marriage and the stability of the alliance.
Scene VII
Participates in the feast and dance; remains behind with Menas after the others leave.
Scene II
Exchanges witty remarks with Agrippa, commenting on Lepidus's love for Caesar and Antony, and recalls Antony's past tears.
Scene V
Discusses the news of Lepidus's fall and Antony's mood with Eros.
Scene VII
Argues against Cleopatra's involvement and advises against a naval battle, warning of the risks.
Scene IX
Accompanies Antony and receives his commands.
Scene X
Witnesses the flight and expresses despair, but chooses to follow Antony despite his reason opposing it.
Scene XIII
Increasingly disillusioned with Antony's judgment, he privately resolves to leave his master, seeing his loyalty as folly.
Scene II
Enobarbus explains Antony's behavior as 'odd tricks which sorrow shoots out of the mind' and later chides Antony for making everyone weep.
Scene V
Enobarbus has deserted Antony and joined Caesar's camp, as reported by the soldier.
Scene VI
Consumed by guilt over his betrayal, he learns of Alexas's fate and Antony's generosity, and resolves to die.
Scene IX
Repentant for deserting Antony, he prays for death and dies alone in Caesar's camp.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Enobarbus unlock in the free preview.

See Enobarbus in act i scene i

See Enobarbus in Scene II