Coriolanus Act 1 Characterization

The political tragedy, “Coriolanus,” composed by William Shakespeare, develops in its characterization of various characters, especially when concerning the main one, Caius Martius, later bestowed with the title of victory, Coriolanus. Therein lies a larger purpose by the technique in which Shakespeare establishes the character traits of Coriolanus, in act 1, including developing the plot, foreshadowing future conflicts, all the while fitting into the genre of a political tragedy. This is initiated by commencing the plot in the midst of conflict, wherein the tension in the 1^st scene of the play enables the characters to directly characterize Coriolanus, depicting him in a negative light. This elevated situation, in which the audience, or readers are thrust into, permits them to comprehend Coriolanus’s vengeful and hasty stance and additionally, foretells a possible future conflict that Coriolanus might face with the plebeians (commoners). Contrastingly, throughout act 1, an opposite stance of Coriolanus’s traits are established, namely when concerning Coriolanus’s mother and his unacceptance to beg for votes and accept the prize over his victory of the war. His nobility and leadership associated on the battlefield contrasts with the initial portrayal of Coriolanus, shifting the audience’s perspective from considering him as domineering to sympathizing with him. For example, in Scene 9, Coriolanus displays humility about the victory stating that it was just his duty, making him more popular with the people. His appreciation for his service and the nobility he associates with it is reflected when he claims:

I have done

As you have done; that’s what I can; induced

As you have been; that’s for my country:

He that has but effected his good will

Hath overta’en mine act (I.ⅸ.18-22).

This is further stipulated when concerning Volumnia, Coriolanus’s mom, who is extremely blunt and has an overbearing attitude. The fact that Volumnia claims that if her son was her husband, she would rather have him out in battle, rather than in bed with her, enables the audience to empathize with Coriolanus, effectively portraying him in a lowlier light. The purpose of Shakespeare doing so is very apparent, as it allows the audience to resonate with Coriolanus and his tragic flaws, from a different approach, that of a political play. This is highlighted by the shift in setting, that being the battlefield and the city capitol. Coriolanus is a blunt warrior, impatient with foolishness, only considering those who fight for Rome as deserving of riches. This is established early on in the play and is evident through his actions and diction on the battlefield, however, by the plot developing into him being elected for consul in the capitol, it requires Coriolanus to be a people’s person, someone who is humble and meek. This required shift in character serves as a surprise to the audience, who are able to sense a conflict developing, by the sheer fact that they already have established Coriolanus’s personality. Shakespeare then conveys the idea that military ability does not succeed in the absence of citizenry approval and is deliberately orchestrated by him, so that the play runs smoothly, with the brink of conflict left in the balance.