Brutus is an ambivalent protagonist in William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar. He is the only one who doesn't hate Caesar, but he is responsible for Caesar's murder. He murders Caesar because he wants to protect the people of Rome. .
Brutus is very objective. At first, Cassius instigated him to join their group to kill Caesar, but he believes Caesar is a great leader that could build a better country, so he refused. Later on, when he feels Caesar will take over the country, he decided to kill Caesar. Brutus said, "I know no personal cause to spurn at him, but for the general. He would be crowned: how that might change his nature, there's the question. " (2, 1, 11~14) he is afraid that Caesar will be a dictator after Caesar is crowned. "Crown him that, and then I grant we put a sting in him that at his will he may do danger with." (2,1,16~18) To kill Caesar, Brutus' attitude changes from hesitation to firm in this point. .
While the other conspirators act out of envy and rivalry, only Brutus truly believes that Caesar's death will benefit Rome. Brutus is in fact a dear friend of Caesar's but kills his beloved friend not for who he is, but because he could become as a King. .
He is very honorable, but his honorable behavior also leads him into assuming a naive view of the world. He could not distinguish those bogus letters were sent by Cassius, he doesn't realize roles being played by Cassius, Casca, and Antony. He just wants to honor his country and protect his people. He just takes side of the story by Cassius that Caesar will be powerful to control Rome, but he doesn't really know if Caesar will do it or not. Brutus said "to speak truth of Caesar, I have not known when his affections swayed more than his reason." (2,1, 20~22) The main thing changes his mind is his speculation. "a common proof that lowliness is young ambition's ladder, where to the climber-upward turns his face; but, when he once attains the upmost round, he then unto the ladder turns his back.
