Coriolanus · Character

First Citizen

Leader of the plebeian revolt who argues against Coriolanus's pride.

minor

Also known as First Citizen We have ever your good word

First appearance: Scene I

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With Sicinius Velutus (social): The First Citizen is a plebeian who follows Sicinius's lead in opposing Coriolanus, representing the voice of the common people. With Second Citizen (social): The First and Second Citizens are fellow plebeians who discuss and debate political grievances together. With Caius Marcius Coriolanus (rivalry): Coriolanus holds the First Citizen and the plebeians in contempt, viewing them as fickle and unworthy of power.

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See First Citizen in Scene I

Character Web

12 connections

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Relationship types

Social
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Roman political and military figures
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Coriolanus’s banish…

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Relationships

Sicinius Velutus
social · ambivalent
Second Citizen
social · ambivalent
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
rivalry · negative
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
rivalry · negative
Sicinius Velutus
social · ambivalent
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
rivalry · negative
Second Citizen
social · ambivalent
Second Citizen
social · ambivalent
Sicinius Velutus
social · ambivalent

Sicinius Velutus
The First Citizen is a plebeian who follows Sicinius's lead in opposing Coriolanus, representing the voice of the common people.
Second Citizen
The First and Second Citizens are fellow plebeians who discuss and debate political grievances together.
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Coriolanus holds the First Citizen and the plebeians in contempt, viewing them as fickle and unworthy of power.
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Coriolanus holds the First Citizen and the plebeians in contempt, viewing them as fickle and unworthy of power.
Sicinius Velutus
The First Citizen is a plebeian who follows Sicinius's lead in opposing Coriolanus, representing the voice of the common people.
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Coriolanus holds the First Citizen and the plebeians in contempt, viewing them as fickle and unworthy of power.
Second Citizen
The First and Second Citizens are fellow plebeians who discuss and debate political grievances together.
Second Citizen
The First and Second Citizens are fellow plebeians who discuss and debate political grievances together.
Sicinius Velutus
The First Citizen is a plebeian who follows Sicinius's lead in opposing Coriolanus, representing the voice of the common people.

Relationship notes

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See First Citizen in Scene I

In the story

First Citizen appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene I
Leads the mutinous citizens, accusing Caius Marcius of being the chief enemy to the people and advocating for his death to secure corn at a fair price.
Scene IV: Before Corioli
Appears as a Roman soldier who refuses to follow Marcius into the gates, calling it 'fool-hardiness.'
Scene III
Initially supports Coriolanus but later joins the dissent after being swayed by the tribunes.
Scene IV
A citizen of Antium who directs Coriolanus to Aufidius's house.
Scene VI
The First Citizen expresses regret for having supported Coriolanus's banishment, reflecting the citizens' changing sentiment.

Chapter companion notes

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See First Citizen in Scene I