278
R
oman soldiers are
disgusted with their
general, Mark Antony,
who has fallen for the charms of
the Egyptian queen, Cleopatra.
They fear that this love affair has
transformed one of the world’s most
powerful men into a dishonorable
fool. When Antony hears that his
wife Fulvia has died, he recognizes
that he must return to Rome to
help Caesar defeat Sextus Pompey.
Cleopatra taunts Antony about
his love for her; she is jealous of
other women, and of Antony’s
duty to Rome.ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA
Antony returns to Rome while
Cleopatra seeks comfort from her
companions. Antony meets with
Caesar’s displeasure on his return.
He is criticized for ignoring his
responsibilities as a leader, and
is encouraged to marry Caesar’s
sister Octavia, as a sign of his
commitment to Rome. Antony
agrees to the political marriage.
When Cleopatra hears of Antony’s
marriage she is enraged.
Caesar and Antony meet with
the rebellious Sextus Pompey on
his boat to prevent civil war. Peace
is agreed, although one of Pompey’sDRAMATIS
PERSONAEAntony A Roman general who
enjoys a passionate love affair
with the queen of Egypt,
Cleopatra. He is torn between
his duty to Rome and his
desire for Cleopatra.Cleopatra Queen of Egypt,
and former lover of Julius
Caesar. Her passion for Antony
provokes displays of jealousy,
anger, and compassion.Enobarbus Antony’s most
loyal and trusted soldier.
He enjoys life in Egypt and
understands Antony’s love
for Cleopatra.Octavius Caesar Julius
Caesar’s great-nephew, who
governs Rome with Antony
and Lepidus. He is disgusted
by Antony’s life in Egypt.Octavia Caesar’s sister, who
marries Antony.Sextus Pompey A soldier
who plans a rebellion against
the rulers of Rome, but is
persuaded to make peace.Charmian and Iras
Cleopatra’s attendants.
Iras takes poison to avoid
witnessing Cleopatra’s own
death through suicide.Lepidus Governs Rome
with Antony and Caesar. He
proposes the political marriage
between Antony and Octavia.Dolabella Caesar’s attendant.
He warns Cleopatra that she
will be paraded through Rome.Soothsayer He predicts that
Caesar will defeat Antony.Act 1 Act 2
2.2
2.3
1.2
1.3
2.5
Antony agrees to
marry Caesar’s
sister Octavia.News arrives in Egypt
that Antony’s wife
Fulvia is dead.Cleopatra quizzes
Antony about his
love for her before he
returns to Rome.Cleopatra strikes
and draws a knife on
the messenger who
informs her of Antony’s
marriage.A soothsayer
prophesizes that Caesar
will ultimately triumph
over Antony.