What is Shakespeare’s larger purpose in his characterisation of Coriolanus in Act I?

The play Coriolanus was written by William Shakespeare at the very start of the 17^th century in ancient Rome, just when Italy transferred from a monarchy to a republic. Coriolanus is a true war hero and much appreciated amongst the Patricians and senators of the city Rome where he earned his position as consul due to his courageous and modest nature. In the first act of the play Shakespeare displays a careful development of Coriolanus’ character through direct and indirect characterization, exposing his audience to the different traits of Coriolanus in order to understand his heroic role within the play. More attentive examination reveals the larger purpose of his characterization in Act 1 specifically, as Coriolanus’ character supports the further comprehension of the genre, conflicts and setting of the play.

Coriolanus is considered a political play as the context of addresses current events, especially those central to society itself. This encourages consciousness and social change amongst his target audience; those who watched his plays during the 17^th century. Shakespeare examines personal drives and passions determining political activity in Coriolanus, which is part of the conventions of a political play. He dramatizes political leadership and the complexity of human beings being driven by the lust for power. This can be sensed looking at the class struggle faced by the Romans during the time era of Coriolanus. Hence, the political genre in conjunction to the furthering characterization of Coriolanus in Act I plays a significant role. Coriolanus is considered a war hero respected amongst the great Patricians and senators, whilst hated by the ‘rats’ of Rome: the Plebeians. The social gap between the two classes is particularly enhanced when Coriolanus is introduced to the play. The Plebeians look up to him with disguise due to his domineering role in society: “he’s a very dog to the commonalty … what he hath done famously he did it to that end”. Shakespeare develops a theme statement in which the drive for leadership, social change and lust for power form the moral and message of the plot, as well as the political genre. Coriolanus is hereby used considering he defeats Aufidius (his sworn enemy) and gains popularity and power amongst the Romans. His passion for war and love for his city is part of the political spectrum Shakespeare forms within his play.

Shakespeare has utilized Coriolanus’ heroic traits and his invincible character to foreshadow subsequent conflicts against his enemy Tullus Aufidius. As fierce as Coriolanus can be on the battlefield, he defeats his enemy with self-determination and hereby builds on his pride. With all the rewards and honors directed towards Coriolanus, Shakespeare foreshadows a future internal conflict. As his popularity increases, the public’s expectations regarding his battle success heighten and Coriolanus will be exposed to over-confidence with possible fatal consequences. In the last scene of the play Aufidius says: “I’ll potch at him some way, or wrath or craft may get him … Bolder, though not so subtle … Wash my fierce hand in’s heart”. This predicts a sweet revenge to all the times that Coriolanus has triumphantly beat Aufidius. Although Aufidius’ dialogue might be unreliable, he does provide the reader with insight on the potential weakness of Coriolanus by calling him ‘bolder’ but not so ‘subtle’. A hero is not driven by subtleness; they are influenced easily and are driven by courage.  

Shakespeare reveals two settings in Act I through which he exposes two different sides of Coriolanus’ character. The two diverse worlds of the battlefield versus Rome are associated with the two different character traits of Coriolanus. On the battlefield he’s undaunted and driven by bravery, whilst in Rome he’s utterly modest and fidelity to the senate. We could speak of a mould in terms of Coriolanus adjusting his character to the physical and emotional setting of the play. “‘Tis not my blood wherein thou seest me mask’d; for thy revenge wrench up thy power to the highest,” said Coriolanus on the battlefield facing his enemy Aufidius, while later on in the play he states the following once returned from his victory to Rome: “I have done as you have done; that’s what I can; induced as you have been; that’s for my country: he that has but effected his good will hath overta’en mine act.”