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In just a few words, a complete portrait of a character can be formed. As in all Shakespearean drama, The Tragedy of Julius Caesar is masterful in its technique of characterization and eloquence. In Marc Antony뭩 famous speech to the plebeians after Caesar뭩 death, he repeatedly states that 밄rutus is an honorable man?(3.2.89). The quote, which can be taken both on a literal and nonliteral level, reveals much about the character of Brutus. Not only does Antony뭩 quote point, obviously, to the fact that Brutus is seen as an honorable man, but in its tone and application, it also raises questions as to whether this honor is duly placed. Marcus Brutus is seen by all of Rome, including himself, as an upstanding man of the state. He has learned to take pride in his reputation and is eager to use his distinguished status to every possible advantage. After Caesar뭩 assasination, Brutus gains the attention of the people by asking them to 밄elieve [him] for [his] honor and have respect to [his] honor that [they] may believe?(3.2.14-16). He knows that he is seen as possessing nobility and uses this image to sway the minds of the commoners. Since he is honorable, after all, then all of his decisions must also be both honorable and true. Antony, however, sees the self-important side of Brutus that has developed. He notices Brutus?unassuming hubris and uses it against him. Through repeatedly stating the idea that 밄rutus is an honorable man?in his speech, and then pointing out the fact that Brutus is claiming to be so 밾onorable?because he murdered Caesar, Antony quickly dissuades the people from Brutus?line of thought to his own. Although it is apparent that Brutus is perceived as a respectable member of the Roman community, this respect by the people is not strong enough to hold when Brutus takes his supposed moral obligations too far and murders his friend. Brutus?reputation, although sound, is not sound enough to cover such...