Who is the real hero of the play “Julius Caesar”? Brutus or Caesar?

Answer

Who is the real hero of the play, “Julius Caesar?” Brutus or Caesar? (2017)

In a Shakespearean tragedy, the hero is a great and noble person. Now, let us decide who is the true hero in “Julius Caesar” (1599): Caesar or Brutus. This political play of William Shakespeare (1564–1616) tells the story of Caesar’s rise and fall, as well as the moral struggle of Brutus. Critics differ about the real hero of the play. Some say Caesar, others say Brutus, and a few say there is no true hero. But Shakespeare presents Brutus as the moral center and tragic figure. His actions, motives, and fall make him the real hero of the play.

Caesar’s Greatness and Limitations: Julius Caesar dominates the early scenes of the play. The people cheer his triumph, and the senators fear his growing power. Caesar appears proud and fearless. He dismisses warnings with courage, saying, 

“Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.”

His bravery makes him noble. But Caesar’s faults lower him. He is deaf in one ear, suffers from illness, and behaves vainly. He ignores omens and the Soothsayer’s call to “Beware the Ides of March.” Though mighty, he is also human and proud. His death in the Senate shows that even great men fall.

Brutus’s Nobility and Honour: Brutus is shown as noble, honest, and idealistic. He is loved by the Romans and respected even by his enemies. Cassius says, “Brutus is noble,” and Casca says he “sits high in all the people’s hearts.” His decision to join the conspiracy is not from envy but from duty. He fears Caesar may become a tyrant and destroy the republic. He says, 

“Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.”

These words prove his unselfish patriotism. He sacrifices friendship for the public good. That makes him the moral hero of the story.

Brutus’s Tragic Flaw and Fall: Like all Shakespearean tragic heroes, Brutus has