# Menenius Agrippa — Coriolanus character guide

> Menenius Agrippa in Coriolanus by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** major

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

**First appearance:** 0000-coriolanus

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## Relationships

### [Sicinius Velutus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/coriolanus_se/characters/sicinius_velutus)

_rivalry_

Menenius, a patrician and friend to Coriolanus, frequently clashes with the tribune Sicinius over political matters.

### [Caius Marcius Coriolanus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/coriolanus_se/characters/caius_marcius_coriolanus)

_friendship_

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

### [Sicinius Velutus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/coriolanus_se/characters/sicinius_velutus)

_rivalry_

Menenius, a patrician and friend to Coriolanus, frequently clashes with the tribune Sicinius over political matters.

### [Caius Marcius Coriolanus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/coriolanus_se/characters/caius_marcius_coriolanus)

_friendship_

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

### [Sicinius Velutus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/coriolanus_se/characters/sicinius_velutus)

_rivalry_

Menenius, a patrician and friend to Coriolanus, frequently clashes with the tribune Sicinius over political matters.

### [Caius Marcius Coriolanus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/coriolanus_se/characters/caius_marcius_coriolanus)

_friendship_

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

## In the story

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

Engages in sharp banter with the tribunes, defending Marcius and mocking their incompetence; joyfully welcomes Marcius home.

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

Advises Coriolanus to follow the custom and speak to the people, urging him to accept the consulship.

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

Accompanies Coriolanus and informs him that the tribunes have endorsed the people's voice.

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

Acts as a peacemaker, trying to calm both sides and arranging to bring Coriolanus to a lawful hearing.

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

Supports Volumnia's advice, urging Coriolanus to return to the tribunes and repent his harsh words.

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

Attempts to calm Coriolanus and pleads with the citizens to consider his service.

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

Weeps openly but tries to maintain composure, offering to join Coriolanus if he were younger.

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

Attempts to calm Volumnia and mediate the tense encounter with the tribunes.

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

Menenius defends Coriolanus, criticizes the tribunes and citizens for their actions, and expresses despair at the impending threat.

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

Reluctant to approach Coriolanus but eventually agrees to try to persuade him.

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

Menenius tries to use his former friendship with Coriolanus to gain entry and plead for Rome, but is rebuffed.

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

Describes Coriolanus as having grown from man to dragon, showing his despair and fear of Coriolanus's wrath.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/coriolanus_se/characters/menenius_agrippa
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/coriolanus_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/coriolanus_se/characters