Coriolanus · Character

Tullus Aufidius

The Volscian commander who hates Coriolanus more than any man alive — and would rather be beaten by him than by anyone else.

major

Also known as Aufidius, Tullus, great Aufidius, Your noble Tullus Aufidius

First appearance: coriolanus

As a major figure in Coriolanus, Tullus Aufidius is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Aufidius discusses Roman intelligence and prepares to lead the Volscian army, expressing a personal vow to fight Caius Marcius.

In the storyScene IIOpen this moment free

See Tullus Aufidius in Scene II Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Aufidius is Rome's mirror-image enemy: a general whose personal hatred of Coriolanus has become almost a form of devotion. He curses his own troops for yielding Corioli, retires to Antium, and lets it be known he would pawn his fortune to be called Coriolanus's vanquisher. That obsessive rivalry — equal parts loathing and admiration — makes him the one figure in the play who truly understands what Coriolanus is, and the one most dangerous when that understanding curdles.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Tullus Aufidius sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Tullus Aufidius in coriolanus

Character Web

15 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Roman political and military figures
Protagonist
Secondary allies and spies

+10 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

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…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Caius Marcius Coriolanus
rivalry · negative
Coriolanus and Aufidius are sworn enemies on the battlefield, but later form a tense… How this plays out →
Sicinius Velutus
rivalry · negative
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
rivalry · negative
Coriolanus and Aufidius are sworn enemies on the battlefield, but later form a tense… How this plays out →
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
rivalry · negative
Coriolanus and Aufidius are sworn enemies on the battlefield, but later form a tense… How this plays out →
Sicinius Velutus
rivalry · negative

Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Coriolanus and Aufidius are sworn enemies on the battlefield, but later form a tense alliance that ends in betrayal.
Sicinius Velutus
Sicinius and Aufidius are on opposite sides of the Roman-Volscian conflict, though they share a common enemy in Coriolanus.
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Coriolanus and Aufidius are sworn enemies on the battlefield, but later form a tense alliance that ends in betrayal.
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Coriolanus and Aufidius are sworn enemies on the battlefield, but later form a tense alliance that ends in betrayal.
Sicinius Velutus
Sicinius and Aufidius are on opposite sides of the Roman-Volscian conflict, though they share a common enemy in Coriolanus.

Relationship notes

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

See Tullus Aufidius in coriolanus

In the story

Tullus Aufidius appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene II
Aufidius discusses Roman intelligence and prepares to lead the Volscian army, expressing a personal vow to fight Caius Marcius.
Scene VI
Mentioned as the leader of the Antiates and the heart of the Volscian hope.
Scene VIII
Fights Marcius but is assisted by Volscian soldiers, drawing Marcius's scorn.
Scene X
Bloodied and enraged, Aufidius swears to kill Marcius by any means, abandoning his former honor in emulation.
Scene III
Mentioned as the Volscian noble who will lead the war against Rome now that Coriolanus is banished.
Scene IV
Mentioned as the host of a feast for the nobles of Antium; Coriolanus seeks him out.
Scene V
Welcomes Coriolanus, forgives past conflicts, and offers him command of half the Volscian army.
Scene VI
Aufidius is mentioned as leading the Volscian forces alongside Coriolanus, obeying his commands as if he were his officer.
Scene VII
Aufidius expresses jealousy and resentment towards Coriolanus's popularity among the Volscian troops, but bides his time, planning to eventually destroy him.
Scene II
Aufidius observes Coriolanus's rejection of Menenius, noting his 'constant temper.'
Scene III
Observes Coriolanus's capitulation and privately plots to exploit this weakness for his own advantage.
Scene VI
Leads the conspiracy against Coriolanus, accusing him of betrayal, and ultimately kills him, then shows remorse.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Tullus Aufidius unlock in the free preview.

See Tullus Aufidius in coriolanus

See Tullus Aufidius in Scene II