# Caius Lucius — Cymbeline character guide

> Caius Lucius in Cymbeline by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Lucius

**First appearance:** 0015-act-iii-scene-i

## Snapshot

Rome's dignified ambassador, he delivers an ultimatum to Cymbeline and later commands the legions sent to enforce it.

## Who they are

Lucius comes to Cymbeline's court as the Emperor's voice, courteous but firm, demanding tribute that the Britons refuse. He is a professional soldier and diplomat, more interested in honor and order than in the petty intrigues swirling around him. When negotiation fails, he returns at the head of a Roman army, making him the face of the external threat that forces Cymbeline's fractured family and kingdom toward a reckoning.

## In the story

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

Mentioned as the Roman ambassador arriving at court.

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

Roman ambassador who delivers Caesar's demand and declares war.

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

The Roman ambassador to whom Imogen plans to present herself in disguise.

### [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cymbeline_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-v)

Departs after delivering the emperor's message, preparing for war.

### [Scene VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cymbeline_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-vii)

Appointed proconsul and general of the forces against Britain.

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

Roman general who discovers Imogen and Cloten's body, takes Imogen into his service.

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

Commands the Roman forces, observes the disorder, and decides to retreat or reinforce.

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

Reported captured by the British.

### [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cymbeline_se/chapters/act-v-scene-v)

Roman prisoner who requests ransom for his page (Imogen), later participates in the peace agreement.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cymbeline_se/characters/caius_lucius
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cymbeline_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cymbeline_se/characters