Characterisation of Coriolanus in Act I

Evidently, the first scene is set to be an exposition where the introduction of Marcius is presented while also instilling the values of the plot. The introduction of Marcius is given by the citizens as the Shakespeare deliberately uses the voices of the citizens not only to introduce Marcius and the political system of Rome but also implemented foreshadowing scenes where a similar riot is acted towards Coriolanus as he tries to gain the position of the consul. The characterization of Marcius is displayed as an arrogant and egotistical leader where his commands are parallel to a dictatorship, using harsh and vulgarly language amongst his citizens. Quite evidently Marcius displays all of his dictatorial aspects under the setting of political environments whereas if Marcius was set on to a battlefield we apparently see much more of his authority as a general, his demeanor is suited to Volumnia’s ideology of a man. Marcius is further characterized in the exposition and characterization of Volumnia, Virgilia, Valeria, and Young Martius, where the scene shares many parallels to Marcius as well as giving details on the upbringing of Coriolanus and how this further correlates on the present actions later on the play. Volumnia’s characterization helps deduct the sense of patriotism in Marcius where she mentions high praise to those who participate in the war. We as viewers can see the influences of how Mauritius gained his characteristics; we also see parallels to his character adhering to his son, where he displays early signs of psychotic behavior, this is symbolic towards later towards the play where it foreshadows the anomalies of his behavior during his loss of consul. The viewers are introduced to females characters right after the introduction of the war; this is to set a sense of relief and to emphasise Marcius actions on the war further. We see more of Coriolanus dictatorial aspects, amongst the confrontation of war, where his leadership instantly switched into the demeanor similar to the arrogant, egotistical character he displayed in the first scenes in act. He constantly blames the citizens for not performing the amongst the standard, calling the citizens degrading names this helps implement the viewers that he still shares this correlation in both political and combat settings, thusly implying that his sense of pride helps foreshadow in later scenes the reason for his downfall. We also see the conflict with Aufidius (the antagonist of the story) and the tribunes. The conflict further characterizes Coriolanus as it helps emphasize the “hated and displeased” which correlates with the viewers and the characters in the play. In conclusion, the characterization of Coriolanus is evident throughout Act 1 as it's apparent throughout that Shakespeare deliberately implemented aspects where we can deduct contrasts on his character in a political and combat setting. Where Shakespeare implements the egotistical aspects of Coriolanus character in political settings, sharing parallels on dictatorial behavior. However, when Shakespeare implements the egotistical aspects of Coriolanus in a combat/battlefield setting, it matches the description on volumnia idealistic values on her conception of manhood where the description is more praiseful. Evidently, we as viewers see the contrast between both settings, this contrast of perspectives help characterize Coriolanus as an egotistical, prideful hero.