Coriolanus · Character

Second Citizen

Plebeian who supports Menenius's fable of the belly.

minor

Also known as Second Citizen Worthy Menenius Agrippa

First appearance: Scene I

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With Sicinius Velutus (social): The Second Citizen is a plebeian who interacts with Sicinius as part of the Roman mob, often swayed by the tribune's rhetoric. With First Citizen (social): The First and Second Citizens are fellow plebeians who discuss and debate political grievances together. With Caius Marcius Coriolanus (rivalry): Coriolanus openly scorns the Second Citizen and the plebeian class, refusing to court their favor.

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See Second Citizen in Scene I

Character Web

12 connections

A slice of how Second Citizen sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Social
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Roman political and military figures
Protagonist

+7 more in the full Character Web

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

Sicinius Velutus
The Second Citizen is a plebeian who interacts with Sicinius as part of the Roman mob, often swayed by the tribune's rhetoric.
First Citizen
The First and Second Citizens are fellow plebeians who discuss and debate political grievances together.
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Coriolanus openly scorns the Second Citizen and the plebeian class, refusing to court their favor.
First Citizen
The First and Second Citizens are fellow plebeians who discuss and debate political grievances together.
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Coriolanus openly scorns the Second Citizen and the plebeian class, refusing to court their favor.
First Citizen
The First and Second Citizens are fellow plebeians who discuss and debate political grievances together.
Sicinius Velutus
The Second Citizen is a plebeian who interacts with Sicinius as part of the Roman mob, often swayed by the tribune's rhetoric.
Sicinius Velutus
The Second Citizen is a plebeian who interacts with Sicinius as part of the Roman mob, often swayed by the tribune's rhetoric.
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Coriolanus openly scorns the Second Citizen and the plebeian class, refusing to court their favor.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Second Citizen in Scene I

In the story

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

Scene I
Attempts to moderate the crowd by reminding them of Caius Marcius's services to Rome, but is overruled by the First Citizen's accusations of pride.
Scene IV: Before Corioli
Another Roman soldier who also refuses to enter the gates.
Scene III
Expresses that Coriolanus mocked them and leads the call to deny him the consulship.
Scene VI
The Second Citizen echoes the First Citizen's regret, admitting that the banishment was a mistake.
Scene VI
Part of the crowd calling for Coriolanus's death, shouting 'Tear him to pieces.'

Chapter companion notes

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See Second Citizen in Scene I