# Lepidus — Antony and Cleopatra character guide

> Lepidus in Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Lepidus Noble Antony, Enter Lepidus

**First appearance:** 0005-act-i-scene-iv

## Snapshot

The mild third triumvir, forever smoothing between Antony and Caesar, a peacemaker whose even temper both holds the alliance and marks his weakness.

## Who they are

Lepidus shares rule of Rome with Antony and Caesar but carries none of their force, and he knows it. He pours oil on every quarrel, blesses every farewell, and asks after everyone's health while the other two quietly divide the world. His genial futility in the early political scenes shows how fragile the triumvirate really is.

## In the story

### [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/chapters/act-i-scene-iv)

Defends Antony's faults as hereditary and unavoidable, but agrees to help Caesar prepare for the threat from Pompey.

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-ii)

Mediates between Antony and Caesar, urging gentle speech and unity.

### [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-iv)

Coordinates travel plans and bids farewell to Mecaenas and Agrippa.

### [Scene VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-vi)

Present as a triumvir, attempts to keep the discussion on track.

### [Scene VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-vii)

Gets drunk and is ridiculed by the others; carried ashore.

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-ii)

Mentioned as troubled since Pompey's feast and as a figure who loves both Caesar and Antony.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/characters/lepidus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/characters