Caius Marcius Coriolanus

Sicinius Velutus

Coriolanus and Sicinius are bitter political enemies, with Sicinius leading the tribunes' campaign to banish Coriolanus from Rome.

Cominius

Cominius is a loyal general and friend to Coriolanus, fighting alongside him and later pleading for mercy on his behalf.

Junius Brutus

Coriolanus despises Junius Brutus as a manipulative tribune who stirs up the common people against him.

Volumnia

Volumnia is Coriolanus's formidable mother, whose influence and ambition shape his pride and drive his actions.

Tullus Aufidius

Coriolanus and Aufidius are sworn enemies on the battlefield, but later form a tense alliance that ends in betrayal.

Menenius Agrippa

Menenius is a loyal friend and advisor to Coriolanus, though their bond is strained by Coriolanus's stubborn pride.

First Citizen

Coriolanus holds the First Citizen and the plebeians in contempt, viewing them as fickle and unworthy of power.

Second Citizen

Coriolanus openly scorns the Second Citizen and the plebeian class, refusing to court their favor.

Valeria

Valeria is a respected friend of Coriolanus's family, and he treats her with courtesy and respect.

Messenger

Coriolanus interacts with the Messenger as a bearer of news, often regarding military or political developments.

Cominius

Cominius is a loyal general and friend to Coriolanus, fighting alongside him and later pleading for mercy on his behalf.

Sicinius Velutus

Coriolanus and Sicinius are bitter political enemies, with Sicinius leading the tribunes' campaign to banish Coriolanus from Rome.

Scene I

Arrives and harshly rebukes the citizens, calling them 'dissentious rogues' and 'curs,' displaying his contempt for the common people and their grievances.

Scene IV: Before Corioli

Leads the assault on Corioli, curses his retreating soldiers, and single-handedly enters the city gates.

Scene V

Scolds the Roman soldiers for looting and insists on rejoining the fight against Aufidius despite his wounds.

Scene VI

Arrives bloodied from battle at Corioli, eager to fight Aufidius, and rallies the soldiers to follow him.

Scene VII

Mentioned as the destination of Lartius's march, though not present on stage.

Scene VIII

Engages Aufidius in single combat, expressing deep hatred and proving his valor.

Scene IX

Refuses spoils and praise, accepts the name Coriolanus, and requests freedom for his former host.

Scene I

Returns to Rome as a celebrated war hero, crowned with an oaken garland; modestly dismisses his achievements.

Scene II

Shows reluctance to participate in the customary appeal to the people for their votes, preferring to avoid the ceremony.

Scene III

Solicits votes for consul with visible scorn, mocking the citizens and revealing his disdain for the common people.

Scene I

Defiant and unyielding, he refuses to flatter the people and openly despises the tribunes, leading to his near-arrest.

Scene II

Defiant and proud, he struggles against the necessity of flattering the plebeians, ultimately yielding to his mother's counsel.

Scene III

Defiantly refuses to appease the tribunes and is banished; curses the citizens and leaves Rome.

Scene I

Bids farewell to his family and friends, displaying stoic resolve and a sense of isolation.

Scene III

Mentioned as the banished Roman hero whose absence weakens Rome and emboldens the Volscians.

Scene IV

Disguised and in mean apparel, he seeks out Aufidius in Antium, reflecting on the instability of alliances and declaring his love for the enemy town.

Scene V

Arrives at Aufidius's house in disguise, reveals his identity, and offers to ally with the Volscians against Rome.

Scene VI

Coriolanus is reported to have joined Aufidius and is leading a Volscian army against Rome, seeking revenge for his banishment.

Scene VII

Though not present, Coriolanus is the subject of discussion; his pride, martial prowess, and the reasons for his banishment from Rome are analyzed by Aufidius.

Scene I

Referenced as having rejected Cominius's plea and now sitting in gold, resolute against Rome.

Scene II

Coriolanus denies knowing his family and friends, stating his affairs are 'servanted to others' and refuses to hear Menenius.

Scene III

Struggles between his vow of vengeance and his familial bonds, ultimately yielding to his mother's plea.

Scene IV

Referenced as having become a dragon-like figure, devoid of mercy, and now gone after the ladies prevailed.

Scene VI

Returns to Antium as a victorious soldier but is accused of treason by Aufidius and killed by conspirators.