Coriolanus · Character

Menenius Agrippa

The old senator who jokes, scolds, and negotiates his way between Coriolanus's iron pride and Rome's furious streets.

major

Also known as Menenius, old Menenius, Menenius Agrippa, Worthy Menenius Agrippa

First appearance: coriolanus

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Menenius is the patrician everyone tolerates: a talker, a peacemaker, a man who calls Coriolanus his friend and Rome his family. He tries to keep the general's temper in check — 'Be calm, be calm' — and to keep the tribunes from turning a grain dispute into a coup. His loyalty is genuine but his influence is limited, and watching him fail to bridge the gap between a proud soldier and an angry city is one of the play's quiet heartbreaks.

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Character Web

15 connections

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Relationship types

Rivalry
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Roman political and military figures
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

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
rivalry · negative
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
friendship · positive
Sicinius Velutus
rivalry · negative
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
friendship · positive
Sicinius Velutus
rivalry · negative
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
friendship · positive

Sicinius Velutus
Menenius, a patrician and friend to Coriolanus, frequently clashes with the tribune Sicinius over political matters.
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Menenius is a loyal friend and advisor to Coriolanus, though their bond is strained by Coriolanus's stubborn pride.
Sicinius Velutus
Menenius, a patrician and friend to Coriolanus, frequently clashes with the tribune Sicinius over political matters.
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Menenius is a loyal friend and advisor to Coriolanus, though their bond is strained by Coriolanus's stubborn pride.
Sicinius Velutus
Menenius, a patrician and friend to Coriolanus, frequently clashes with the tribune Sicinius over political matters.
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Menenius is a loyal friend and advisor to Coriolanus, though their bond is strained by Coriolanus's stubborn pride.

Relationship notes

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In the story

Menenius Agrippa appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene I
Enters to calm the citizens, using the fable of the belly to argue that the patricians care for the people like fathers, though his efforts are met with skepticism.
Scene I
Engages in sharp banter with the tribunes, defending Marcius and mocking their incompetence; joyfully welcomes Marcius home.
Scene II
Advises Coriolanus to follow the custom and speak to the people, urging him to accept the consulship.
Scene III
Accompanies Coriolanus and informs him that the tribunes have endorsed the people's voice.
Scene I
Acts as a peacemaker, trying to calm both sides and arranging to bring Coriolanus to a lawful hearing.
Scene II
Supports Volumnia's advice, urging Coriolanus to return to the tribunes and repent his harsh words.
Scene III
Attempts to calm Coriolanus and pleads with the citizens to consider his service.
Scene I
Weeps openly but tries to maintain composure, offering to join Coriolanus if he were younger.
Scene II
Attempts to calm Volumnia and mediate the tense encounter with the tribunes.
Scene VI
Menenius defends Coriolanus, criticizes the tribunes and citizens for their actions, and expresses despair at the impending threat.
Scene I
Reluctant to approach Coriolanus but eventually agrees to try to persuade him.
Scene II
Menenius tries to use his former friendship with Coriolanus to gain entry and plead for Rome, but is rebuffed.
Scene IV
Describes Coriolanus as having grown from man to dragon, showing his despair and fear of Coriolanus's wrath.

Chapter companion notes

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