Coriolanus · Character

Volumnia

Coriolanus's mother, who forged his soldier's pride and now expects Rome to reward it with a consulship.

major

Also known as Volumnia Titus Lartius

First appearance: coriolanus

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Volumnia raised her son on stories of blood and honour, and she measures his worth by the wounds he carries home. She pushes him toward the consulship, dismisses his reluctance as squeamishness, and treats his victories as the fulfilment of her own designs. Her love is real and her ambition is fiercer than his, which makes her the play's most unsettling force: the woman who made Coriolanus, and the only one who might be able to unmake him.

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Character Web

13 connections

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Relationship types

Family
Other

Character groups

Roman political and military figures
Protagonist
Secondary allies and spies

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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

Caius Marcius Coriolanus
family · positive
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
family · positive

Relationship notes

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In the story

Volumnia appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene III
Volumnia celebrates her son's warrior spirit, expressing pride in sending him to war and valuing honor over life.
Scene I
Proudly announces her son's return and his wounds, which she sees as marks of honor; eager for his political advancement.
Scene II
Uses her influence to persuade Coriolanus to dissemble and speak mildly, arguing that honor and policy can coexist in peace as in war.
Scene I
Urges Coriolanus to take Cominius with him and recalls her own fierce spirit, though she is visibly distressed.
Scene II
Rages against the tribunes, defending Coriolanus and lamenting his banishment with fierce maternal anger.
Scene III
Leads the delegation to Coriolanus, using emotional and rhetorical force to persuade him to spare Rome.
Scene IV
Mentioned as Coriolanus's mother, who may have prevailed upon him; celebrated as worth of consuls, senators, and patricians.
Scene V
Hailed as the patroness and life of Rome, her influence leads to calls for Coriolanus's repeal.

Chapter companion notes

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