# Octavius Caesar — Antony and Cleopatra character guide

> Octavius Caesar in Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Caesar, Octavius, Most noble Caesar, Caesar paragon

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

## Snapshot

The scarce-bearded young Caesar whose cold, calculating mandates from Rome keep pulling Antony away from Egypt's pleasures and toward reckoning.

## Who they are

Octavius is the youngest of the triumvirs and the one most comfortable wielding power as discipline rather than display. Where Antony dissolves into pleasure, Caesar hardens into policy, and his messengers arrive in Alexandria like verdicts. His impatience with Antony's Egyptian life sets the political clock ticking under every love scene.

## Relationships

### [Mark Antony](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/characters/mark_antony)

_rivalry_

Antony and Octavius are former allies turned bitter enemies, fighting for sole control of Rome.

### [Mark Antony](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/characters/mark_antony)

_rivalry_

Antony and Octavius are former allies turned bitter enemies, fighting for sole control of Rome.

## In the story

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

Reading a letter and expressing frustration with Antony's revelry in Alexandria; he receives news of Pompey's rebellion and resolves to take action.

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

Confronts Antony over broken oaths and his wife's rebellion, but accepts the marriage proposal.

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

Caesar exchanges courtesies with Antony and Octavia before exiting, his superior fortune noted by the Soothsayer.

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

Leads the triumvirs in the negotiations, presenting their terms to Pompey.

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

Reluctantly participates in the drinking; calls for an end to the revelry to attend to serious business.

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

Bids farewell to Antony and Octavia, expressing concern for their marriage as a cement of alliance.

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

Caesar condemns Antony's actions in Alexandria, accuses him of slander, and reveals Antony's preparations for war. He welcomes Octavia and comforts her.

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

Commands Taurus to hold the land forces and not engage until the sea battle is decided.

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

Receives Antony's ambassador and rejects his request; plots to win Cleopatra from Antony.

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

Reads Antony's letter, dismisses his challenge, and orders the final battle.

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

Orders the battle and commands that Antony be taken alive, expressing hope for universal peace.

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

Leads his army and strategizes to hold the land advantage.

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

Receives news of Antony's death and mourns him as a brother and competitor; sends Proculeius to Cleopatra with promises of honor.

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

Roman leader, appears briefly to interrogate Cleopatra about her treasure, then leaves.

## Links

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