In this activity, students will compare and contrast two characters in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. Students will use the text to compile a list of motivations, traits, and beliefs for each character. With a T-Chart or Venn Diagram, students will describe and illustrate the similarities and differences between the two characters of their choice, focusing on beliefs, actions, motivations, and traits for each character. This activity can be done after completing a character map in order to provide a starting point for character research. It can also be a perfect way to gather evidence and examples for an essay or paper.
As an extended activity, have students research the historical counterparts of characters like Caesar or Marc Antony and have them compare and contrast how the character is portrayed in the play to how they actually were in real life.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard identifying the similarities and differences between two characters in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.
Ask the students to make a list of potential and main characters for comparison. Divide the class into different groups and ask each group to pick two or more than two characters.
Students can start the comparison by using essential elements such as character traits, motivations, goals, and beliefs. Later they can move on to more complex and abstract concepts.
Examine the verbal and nonverbal cues that characters use. Do they employ any particular linguistic tics, timbres, or rhetorical strategies? How do interactions and personalities come through in their communication?
Analyze the development of each character throughout the narrative. Do their attitudes, habits, or beliefs change? Do they increase or decrease? Think about how their character development impacts the story as a whole.
After a thorough analysis, students can use the acquired information to make interesting and engaging projects based on the differences between characters. For instance, if a group picked Brutus and Anthony for comparison, they can write two poems on the same topic but from the point of view of two different characters.
Create a gallery walk where students can exhibit their artistic interpretations, projects, and character evaluations. Students can wander about the classroom, share knowledge, and ask questions. This will create an interesting platform for discussion in a much more engaging way.
Julius Caesar and Mark Antony were both charming and powerful leaders who won their supporters' allegiance. They have passion and are effective public speakers who can influence large audiences. Both people are also very important to Rome's power structure and history.
Students can examine how Brutus and Antony use rhetoric to further their objectives. Encourage them to think about how they address the crowd's emotions, how they employ Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in their speeches, and how their words affect the attitudes of the Roman populace.
Brutus is shown as a noble and idealistic individual who struggles with his role in Caesar's murder. On the other hand, Cassius is more pragmatist, cunning, and motivated by self-interest. Students can examine how these variations impact their behavior and relationships.