A tragic hero is the dominant character of a book or play, whose actions affect the overall tragic outcome. The character's efforts, which may often be considered "honorable" or "noble", is mistaken or misinterpreted because of a fatal flaw or weakness, which then leads to a tragic outcome for the protagonist. In Julius Caesar, Marcus Brutus" character fulfills all these attributes, and he should therefore be considered the tragic hero.
Brutus is one of the main characters of the story. His role in the plot to assassinate Ceasar is as important as his partaking in the actual murder itself. Without his participation, the other conspirators would never have had the necessary strength and support to kill Caesar. Brutus" importance is emphasized by his presence throughout the play, which ends at his death. Even the final last words of the play, spoken by Octavious are about Brutus, "Within my tent his bones tonight shall lie most like a soldier, ordered honorably." (211). .
In addition to being one of the main characters, if not the main character, Brutus fulfills another common characteristic of a tragic hero by being generally held in high regard among the men around him. Cassius and Cinna are aware of Brutus" power and realize that they (the conspirators) need him in order to gain the trust of the populous. Cinna: " O Cassius if you could but win the noble Brutus to our party-" (43) The conspirators understand that the Romans are more than willing to do as Brutus says; as .
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Ligarius confirms: "Set on your foot, and with a heart new-fir"d I fallow you, to do I know not what; but it sufficeth that Brutus leads me on". (71) Brutus is also honest and noble in character. He shows concern for his friends, family, and Rome itself. He only agrees to kill Caesar because he truly believes that it is the best for Rome. As he states in his soliloquy "It must be by his death: and, for my part, I know no personal cause to spurn at him, but for the general-(47) Brutus is honest with his wife and is willing to share his deepest secrets with her.
