Anthony and Cleopatra William Shakespeare Character Summary

Philo: a friend of Antony who can't help but to censure Antony for his foolish dotage of Cleopatra Demetrius: a friend of Antony who is apprised of Antony's foolish dotage of Cleopatra Cleopatra: the Queen of Egypt who has thoroughly beguiled Antony of his senses Marc Antony: one of Rome's triumvirates, along with Octavius and Lepidus, whose love of Cleopatra robs him of his better senses Charmian:Cleopatra's closest confidant who does as her mistress does and kills herself by applying a poisonous snake to her person Lamprius: the soothsayer who reads the fortunes of both Charmian and Iras and who warns Antony that he is fated to be defeated by Octavius Alexas: another of Cleopatra's attendants Iras: yet another of Cleopatra's attendants Domitius Enobarbus: a follower of Antony who defects from Antony only to be so guilt-ridden by his treachery that he kills himself rather than take up arms against his former master Messengers: Roman messengers who awaken Antony to his senses with news of Rome's dire state of affairs Octavius Caesar: one of the triumvirates along with Lepidus and Antony who will eventually rule the world all by himself Lepidus: one of the triumvirates along with Antony and Octavius who is weakest link of the three and eventually dies under Octavius' sword Messengers: messengers attending on Octavius and Lepidus Mardian: a eunuch attending on Cleopatra Sextus Pompeius: or Pompey; the son of Pompey who leads a popular revolt against the Roman triumvirate Menas: a pirate who is in alliance with Pompey and who suggests that Pompey give him the go-ahead to kill the triumvirate in one fell swoop only to be denied from carrying out the atrocity by Pompey Menecrates: another pirate who is in alliance with Pompey Varrius: friend of Pompey Maecenas: Octavius Caesar's friend Agrippa: Octavius Caesar's friend who proposes that Antony marry Octavia, Octavius' sister, for the purpose of reconciling their differences once and for all Octavia: Octavius' sister who is married off to Antony, unaware that Antony has agreed to it for the sake of politically appeasing her brother Messenger: Cleopatra's messenger who gets beaten for delivering the news that Antony has married

Octavia Servants: servants in attendance at Pompey's banquet who note with contempt Lepidus' inability to hold his drink Boy: a singer/entertainer at Pompey's banquet Ventidius: Antony's lieutenant who is sent to deal with the Parthians Silius: an officer answering to Antony who urges Ventidius to seek greater glory by pursuing the fleeing Parthians Eros: Antony's officer who informs Enobarbus of Pompey's defeat and the resulting fallout: Lepidus' condemnation and imminent death Canidius: Antony's officer who is put in charge of Antony's forces on land while Antony foolishly engages Caesar by sea Taurus: Caesar's officer in charge of his land forces Scarus: Antony's most brave soldier whose exploits are rewarded with a gold armor that Cleopatra herself presents him with Schoolmaster: a schoolmaster who acts as Antony's ambassador to Rome after Antony's ignoble defeat Thidias: Caesar's man sent to Cleopatra to negotiate on behalf of Caesar Soldiers: Antony's soldiers who hear a strange sound beneath the earth on the eve of their battle against Caesar Sentry & Watches: Caesar's guards who witness Enorbarbus dying while lamenting his betrayal of Antony Diomedes: Cleopatra's attendant who informs Antony, when Antony is on the brink of death, that she is yet alive contrary to what Mardian, the eunuch, has been ordered to say to Antony Dercetus: friend of Antony who deprives Antony of his sword with which he was committing suicide and who eventually apprises Caesar of Antony's death Guards: Antony's guards who find themselves unable to kill Antony as per Antony's request Egyptian: a messenger form Cleopatra to Caesar Dolabella: a friend of Caesar who Cleopatra is grateful to for being both honest and courteous with her Proculeius: Caesar's officer who Cleopatra is told to trust by Antony and who is commissioned by Caesar to prevent Cleopatra from committing suicide Seleucus: Cleopatra's treasurer who betrays Cleopatra by revealing that Cleopatra's inventory of her wealth comes far short of what is really in her possession Clown: a rural fellow who brings Cleopatra the poisonous snakes she requested

Summary Act 1

SCENE 1
Philo and Demetrius, two friends of Antony, discuss their mutual friends love affair with Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, and its adverse effects to Romes state of affairs. Presently, they observe as Antony dotes on Cleopatra, dismissing and ignoring a letter from Rome. Cleopatra urges Antony to attend to state affairs--to no avail. Antony will have nothing do with them, much less with Fulvia his wife. His only concern is to make the most of his time with Cleopatra. Philo and Demetrius hope that, soon, things will change for the better and that Antony will come to his senses, dispelling the popular rumor in Rome that Antony has become incorrigibly negligent.

SCENE 2
Charmian, Iras, Alexas, and Enobarbus, friends and followers of Cleopatra and Antony, idly spend their time feasting on food and drink and having their fortunes read by Lamprius, the soothsayer. Their idleness is interrupted when Cleopatra enters the scene, asking for Antonys whereabouts. Apparently, Romes state affairs has all of a sudden absorbed Antonys interests, depriving Cleopatra of his doting presence. Anon, Antony is espied approaching, prompting Cleopatra to make herself scarce so as to be seemingly indifferent to Antonys sudden abatement of love. Interrogating various messengers, Antony becomes apprised of Romes dire state of affairs. His wife, Fulvia, has died for one thing, and for another foreign armies, levied by Labienus (on behalf of Brutus and Cassius who are dead), are massing on the Empires borders. Enobarbus urges Antony to remain in Egypt for Cleopatras sake, but, citing the necessity of checking Pompeys sons growing power, which is yet a another threat to Rome, Antony orders Enorbarbus to inform his officers to prepare themselves for immediate deployment.

SCENE 3
Distressed that Antony has not sought her out, Cleopatra orders Alexas to find Antony and to tell him that Cleopatra is happy if Alexas finds him in a state of sadness and vice versa. When Charmian disagrees and argues that Cleopatra should not be cross with Antony and indulge him at every turn, Cleopatra scorns Charmian, arguing that that would be a sure way to lose Antony. Presently, Antony emerges of his own accord to tell Cleopatra of his imminent departure. Cleopatra calls Antony a liar, a betrayer, and tells him that he should leave without making a fuss. Antony objects, arguing that his departure is prompted by a state emergency (a civil war is imminent if nothing is done to head it off) and moreover by Fulvias death which requires that Antony pay his respects. He argues that he only lives for Cleopatra and when he leaves that he takes Cleopatra with him in his heart and/or his very soul remains with Cleopatra in Egypt. Cleopatra is inconsolable, however. She argues that Antony will shed tears for Fulvia and with those very same tears express his sorrow for leaving Cleopatra.

SCENE 4
Octavius and Lepidus, two of Romes triumvirates (Antony being the third), discuss Romes current predicament. According to reports, Pompeys sons popularity is growing among the masses, and pirates who are in league with Pompey are wreaking havoc on the coasts of Italy. In light of this, Octavius expresses his hope that Antony will shake off his idleness and negligence and return to his former state of hardiness and discipline. Lepidus argues that Antony has too much intrinsic virtue in him to let a moment of idleness and sloth to get the better of him. But Octavius is sorely disappointed with Antony and is anxious for his return from Egypt. Presently, Octavius and Lepidus resolve to assemble and deploy their armies to confront and turn the tide vis--vis Sextus Pompeius.

SCENE 5
In light of Antonys absence, Cleopatra tries to beguile the time through various methods: sleep via narcotics and idle chatter with Mardian, a eunuch. By and by, Alexas arrives with greetings from Antony: Antony has promised to conquer the whole of the East on behalf of Cleopatra. For now, though, a pearl from the East must suffice. Accepting the pearl, Cleopatra asks Charmian if there ever was a man as glorious as Antony. Charmian suggests that Julius Caesar may have been the greatest of men, angering Cleopatra. Charmian concedes that Marc Antony is indeed special. By and by,

Cleopatra writes a letter to Antony, never mind that she had only just sent a number of messengers to deliver her greetings to Antony--messengers who were going to when Alexas was coming fro.

Summary Act 2
SCENE 1
Conferring with his pirate allies, Menas and Menacretes, Pompey argues that they have the upper hand on account of Antonys idleness, Octavius taxes (which have alienated him from the Roman masses), and Lepidus lack of endearment to either Antony or Octavius. When told that Octavius and Lepidus have deployed their armies and are poised to oppose Pompey, Pompey argues that as long as Antony, who is far and above the superior soldier, remains in a state of idleness, that he, Menas, and Menecrates have the upper hand. Anon, Varrius, a friend of Pompey, informs Pompey that expectation of Antonys arrival in Rome is imminent. On account of Fulvius and Lucius (Antonys brother) who have both defied Octavius, Menas surmises that Antony and Octavius will be at odds. Pompey agrees with Menas, but as he points out, that advantage may very well become moot as Octavius and Antony may very well reconcile for the sake of opposing Pompey, Menas, and Menecrates with a united front.

SCENE 2
Lepidus is certain that Octavius and Antony will reconcile for the sake of the greater cause, but Enobarbus, whose counsels often provoke Antony as Charmians counsels provoke Cleopatra, isnt so sure about that. Presently, the opposing sides gather for the sake of ironing out their differences. When Antony wonders why Octavius is so offended by that which doesnt concern him (his business with Cleopatra is a private affair), Octavius wonders if Antony thinks that he--Caesar--could be so trivial as to be offended by a matter that would indeed be of no concern to him. Octavius cuts to the chase, reminding Antony that his former wife and his brother, Lucius, had the gall to defy and war against Octavius. And on whose behalf but on Antonys would they be fighting, Octavius asks. Antony reminds Octavius of the letter he had sent Octavius in which he assured Octavius that he--Antony--did not approve of Lucius actions nor was Lucius fighting on Antonys behalf. As to his wife, Antony explains that she fought Caesar for the sake of luring Antony out of Egypt. Unappeased, Octavius argues that Antony had ignored Octavius messages that were sent to Egypt and in effect had reneged on his oath to back and support Caesar when required. Antony argues that he is at fault for neglecting his duties but he has not violated his oath. They are thus at odds when Agrippa offers a solution. As Antony is now a widow, why not have him marry Octavia, Octavius sister, whose worth warrants a man as good as Antony, and thereby stabilize the ground upon which their alliance stands? Octavius questions Antonys widow status, arguing that he is, for all intents and purposes, married to Cleopatra. Its a notion that Antony dismisses as hogwash. He likes Agrippas solution. By and by, Octavius and Antony shake on it, and all seems to be in good order. Seems to be because, according to Enobarbus, Antony will never give up Cleopatra. Enobarbus relates to Agrippa and Maecenas of what it was like in Egypt when Antony first met Cleopatra, the pageantry of Cleopatras wealth and luxury, her captivating ways that had thoroughly beguiled Antony, and the subsequent time Antony and the Romans spent in Egypt, befitting epicures and hedons.

SCENE 3
Telling Octavia that matters of state will often keep them separated, Antony bids his newlywed wife goodnight. Anon, Lamprius, the soothsayer, advises Antony to return to Egypt, arguing that vis--vis Octavius Antony will invariably lose at whatever contest that they are engaged in. Antony doesnt want to hear it, but he senses the truth of what the soothsayer says. Confiding the audience that he had married Octavia for purely political reasons (for temporarily appeasing Octavius), Antony commissions one of his men to go to Parthia (to deal with the forces assembled by Labienus on behalf Brutus and Cassius), before he himself sets off for Mount Misenum and Pompey.

SCENE 4
Lepidus bids Agrippa and Maecenas goodbye til they meet at Mount Misenum, which is where Pompey and his forces are currently situated.

SCENE 5
Cleopatra is beguiling the time by listening to music, playing billiards, fishing, and by sweetly pining for Antony when a messenger arrives from Italy. He hesitates to deliver his message, however, and for good reason: He has bad news. When he musters the courage to eventually tell Cleopatra that Antony has married Octavia, Cleopatra beats him and continues to beat him when he continuously confirms the truth of his message. The messenger runs away, but he is brought back and advised by Cleopatra to be more circumspect the next time when he has bad news, that i ts not the fashion to be so honest when delivering bad news. Anon, Cleopatra commissions Alexas to bring word from Rome as to Octavias traits and features. Feeling faint, Cleopatra retires, ordering Charmian to attend but not to speak to her.

SCENE 6
Pompey and the three triumvirates hold a meeting as both sides have taken hostages and nothing good can come of continued hostilities. Pompey considers the triumvirates offer to call it a truce. If agreed to Pompey will be granted sovereignty over Sicily and Sardinia for which he must guarantee the end of all pirate activities on the coasts off Italy. It makes sense for Pompey to accept the deal as the triumvirates hold the overwhelming advantage on land which makes Pompeys mastery of the seas a wash. But what really clinches the deal is the presence of Antony whose superior soldiering Pompey holds in high regard. By and by, the opposing parties shake on the truce and decide to celebrate the peace with wine galore. Pompey will host the party. Menas, one of the pirates who is in league with Pompey, does not like the deal at all. He believes that Pompey is squandering an opportunity to gain considerably more. By and by, he and Enorbarbus recognize one another and they decide to go have a drink and toast one another. But before they do, Menas learns from Enobarbus that Antonys marriage to Octavia was strictly political and as such it will inevitably lead to discord between Antony and Octavius.

SCENE 7
Two servants note with contempt Lepidus inability to hold his drink. The spectacle is especially pathetic considering that Lepidus is one of the three giants of the world. Meanwhile, as Antony describes the wonders of Egypt to Lepidus, Menas begs to have a private word with Pompey. Pompey denies the request (as he too busy having fun drinking), but as Menas insists repeatedly Pompey obliges him. What he has to say this: If Pompey gives the go ahead, Menas will murder the triumvirate and make Pompey the ruler of the world. Pompey is against it, however, arguing that his honor wouldnt allow him to be a party to such a dastardly deed. If Menas had performed the deed without making it known, then Pompey might have considered it a worthy deed. As it is, Pompey tells Menas to forget about it and indulge himself and drink which he does along with everyone else.

Summary Act 3
SCENE 1
Silius urges Ventidius to seek greater glory and to crush the fleeing Parthians--to no avail. Citing Sossius whose exploits in Syria, that were in excess of his commission, put him at odds with Antony, Ventidius argues that too much ambition in a subordinate will likely work against him.

SCENE 2
With their affairs settled and peace prevailing in the Empire, the triumvirates go their separate ways. Pompey has already left, and presently Lepidus, Antony, and Octavius say their goodbyes. Octavia is especially sad to part with her brother (as she is now to accompany Antony). Theres another dimension to her sadness, however, as she whispers a secret in her brothers ears which secret visibly upsets Octavius. Agrippa and Enobarbus, who have said their goodbyes to one another and are only waiting for their commanders to conclude their goodbyes, notice Caesars sudden change of countenance. Antony seems indifferent, however, as he wishes Octavius well, giving him one last hug.

SCENE 3
The messenger, who had been beaten earlier for bringing bad news, is summoned again before Cleopatra. He is questioned about Octavias traits and features, including her height, her voice, her bearing, and the shape of her face among others. The messengers replies, which are respectively not tall, low in register, stiff and statue like, and roundish, pleases Cleopatra: Octavia is a decidedly inferior woman whose charms or the lack thereof will fail to captivate Antony for long. Charmian, Cleopatras confidant, categorically agrees with Cleopatra.

SCENE 4
Citing her brothers declaration of war against Pompey and his unstated animosity towards Antony, Antony tells Octavia that he will go ahead and raise an army to oppose her brother. Octavia vehemently objects, arguing that Antony could not possibly put her in a worse position as she could not side with one without offending the other. Antony argues that its okay for her to follow her heart, that he wont hold it against her if she sided with her brother against Antony and presently grants her leave to go to her brother.

SCENE 5
Eros informs Enobarbus that Octavius and Lepidus have warred against and defeated Pompey. Subsequently, Octavius has turned against Lepidus, accusing Lepidus of having conspired with Pompey. Ergo Lepidus is now as good as dead, leaving the rule of the Empire in the hands of Antony and Octavius, who are now poised to do battle for sole supremacy. Presently, Eros informs Enobarbus that he is to report to Antony.

SCENE 6
Octavius Caesar confides in two of his officers, Maecenas and Agrippa, on the current state of affairs when Octavia arrives from Athens. Octavius grieves that she should come without ceremony, i.e. without an army of troops attending her as befitting the sister of Caesar. When she assures her brother that she had traveled without ceremony by choice and that her arrival is motivated by her wish to affect a reconciliation between Octavius and Antony, Octavius informs her of Antonys perfidy. Contrary to what Octavia thinks, Antony is in Egypt, living it up with Cleopatra and granting their children with territories which should actually be divvied up between Antony and Octavius. In addition, Antony has demanded that Caesar divvy up the territories seized from Pompey and is currently raising a massive army to oppose Octavius Caesar.

SCENE 7
To Enobarbus dismay, who would rather that Cleopatra stay behind lines, as her presence will distract Antony from making good decisions, Cleopatra resolves to accompany Antony to the very frontlines of the war. Alas, her cavalier attitude rubs off on Antony who decides to engage Caesar at sea though the smart thing to do is to engage Caesar by land where Antony has the clear advantage and vice versa. Antonys officers resign themselves to being led by Cleopatra and her attendants of eunuchs and ladies in waiting, for it is Cleopatra to whom Antony answers.

SCENE 8
Caesar orders Taurus, who is in command of Caesars land forces, to delay attacking until the battle at sea has concluded.

SCENE 9
Antony instructs Enobarbus as to how they are to deploy their land forces.

SCENE 10
All is lost when Cleopatra, for no good reason at all, flees from the battle which prompts Antony to follow her. Antonys naval fleet is in ruins, and Canidius, who is in charge of Antonys land forces, decides to surrender to Caesar. Scarus and Enobarbus decide to join Antony even though the advantage of doing so is negligible.

SCENE 11
His shame is such that Antony orders his men to take his ship and divide the spoils among them. He will facilitate their reconciliation with Caesar. Presently, his man, Eros and a number of Cleopatras attendants persuade Cleopatra to console Antony. Cleopatra apologizes for having fled but argues that she never thought Antony wouldve followed. Antony reminds her that he is forever bound to her and wherever she goes he goes. They kiss and seek consolation in wine and food.

SCENE 12
An ambassador, who was previously a lowly schoolmaster, arrives to plead on behalf of Antony and Cleopatra. Antony would like Caesar to let him--Antony--to stay and live in Egypt, and if not, to let him live in Athens. Alas, Caesar categorically denies Antony his requests. As to Cleopatra, she would like Caesar to let the Ptolemies be the heir apparent to Egypt. Caesar agrees to oblige Cleopatras request provided that she either refuse asylum to Antony and all his friends or she has Antony killed outright. Thus informed, the ambassador takes his leave. Presently, Caesar commissions Thidias to go to Cleopatra and try to have her give up on Antony, using flattery and whatever sweet incentives that Thidias can contrive to persuade Cleopatra.

SCENE 13
To Cleopatras chagrin, Enorbarbus is clarifying the state of their utter futility when Antony is espied conferring with the Ambassador. Enraged at Caesars reply, Antony tells the ambassador to deliver the message that he--Antony--believes Caesar to be a callow youth and that he--Antony--dares him to accept Antonys challenge to engage in a one-on-one swordfight. As Antony goes to put his message in writing, Enobarbus laments how love and anger has reduced his master to an utter fool. By and by, Thidias arrives with a message from Caesar which he insists are for Cleopatras ears only. Enorbarbus argues that as Antony has so few friends that it wouldnt matter if Thidias message offends Antony. Thus persuaded, Thidias proceeds to flatter and charm Cleopatra, arguing that she owes no allegiance to Antony when Antony barges into the scene. He has Thidias dragged away to be whipped and then he chides Cleopatra for indulging the slave. When Thidias, having been whipped, is brought back, Antony sends him on his way, reminding him to tell Caesar that Antony defies him. Presently, arguing that his army and navy are yet forces to be reckoned with, Antony assures Cleopatra that when he leaves for battle tomorrow he will subsequently return bloodied albeit as a conquering hero. For now, he orders a night of revels for he and his men. Cleopatra is encouraged. Meanwhile, pitying Antony, Enobarbus resolves to put as much distance between himself and Antony the first chance he gets.

Summary Act 4
SCENE 1
What with his superior army and navy, Caesar is poised to oppose and vanquish Antony once and for all. As for engaging Antony one-on-one, Caesar will ignore it. He feels sorry for his once staunch ally whose lavish lifestyle has brought him to a state of brazen foolishness. Maecenas counsels Caesar not give Antony any quarter.

SCENE 2
Having gotten word that Caesar wouldnt challenge him to a one -on-one duel, Antony resolves to have their forces clash and let come what may. Presently, Antony shows a concern for his servants that is unbecoming of a master and that alarms Cleopatra. Enobarbus chides Antony for letting sorrow get the better of him. Antony apologizes and orders the nights revels to proceed.

SCENE 3
Antonys soldiers, who are on the watch, suppose that as long as the navy holds up and does its job tomorrow that the possibilities of success is good when they hear an eerie sound originating beneath the earth. Some speculate that this is a good sign, others that its a bad sign, arguing that it signifies Hercules abandonment of Antony. In any event, they agree that its strange.

SCENE 4
Contrary to Cleopatras wishes, Antony gets up early to arm himself for the co ming battle. Cleopatra helps him to suit up. By and by, kissing Cleopatra goodbye, Antony joins his soldiers at the gate. As Cleopatra retires to her chambers, she cant help but muse that all would be well if only Caesar had agreed to engage Antony one-on-one.

SCENE 5
A soldier informs Antony that Enobarbus has defected to Caesar. As Enobarbus has left his treasures behind, Antony orders Eros to deliver them to Enobarbus and to tell Enobarbus that he--Antony-would give Enobarbus no further cause to hold a grudge against Antony.

SCENE 6
Caesar orders Agrippa to have Antony taken alive. Meanwhile, Enobarbus, having received the treasures he had left behind, curses himself for having betrayed Antony. He decides that theres nothing left do to but for him to kill himself ignobly in a miserable ditch.

SCENE 7
Caesars army retreats as they have suffered heavy casualties. Scarus, who is wounded but is nonetheless eager to give chase to Caesars retreating men, argues that Antonys forces should have done this on their first encounter. Commending Scarus, Antony orders his men to regroup.

SCENE 8
To a heros welcome, Antonys forces return home where they will tend to their wounds and make them whole again for tomorrows battle wherein Antony vows that they of Caesars faction who had escaped with their lives today wont be so lucky. Antony commends all his soldiers for fighting beyond the call of duty, making a point to single out and honor Scarus who is introduced to Cleopatra. Cleopatra vows to reward Scarus with a gold armor fit for a king.

SCENE 9

A sentry and two guards notice Enobarbus alone and in the throes of an unexplainable grief. Calling the moon to be a witness of his betrayal to Antony, Enobarbus laments before collapsing and dying. Not sure if Enobarbus is dead or not, the sentry and the guards decide to take the body in as a Enobarbus is a soldier of rank and as they must suit up for battle.

SCENE 10
Noting that Caesar is hoping to engage Antony at sea, Antony has his army entrench itself near the city. His navy, which is more or less the Egyptian fleet, has been launched, and he awaits for the results.

SCENE 11
Knowing that his best advantage is by sea, Caesar also has his army stand down and lets the battle at sea decide the outcome of the war.

SCENE 12
While Antony goes to reconnoiter, Scarus prepares himself for the end which all the soothsayers and prognosticators know but are too afraid to tell Antony: the Egyptian naval fleet will be Antonys downfall. By and by, Antony comes running to tell Scarus to abandon all and run: The Egyptian fleet has surrendered to Caesar. Presently, Antony curses Cleopatra and her treachery. He curses that he had ever allied his fortunes to her, and decides that he will kill her if its the last thing he ever does.

SCENE 13
Affrighted by Antonys fury, Cleopatra decides to hide herself, and to send word to Antony that she has died.

SCENE 14
Antony muses on his imminent death and on his anger at Cleopatra, who he is sure has betrayed him to ally herself with Caesar, when Mardian, the eunuch, contradicts him, arguing that Cleopatra has always been on his side and to show her loyalty that she has just killed herself with her concluding thoughts dedicated to Antony. Inconsolable, Antony begs Eros to kill him, arguing that Eros owes him this. Eros objects, but eventually Eros draws his sword only to stab himself to death. Ashamed that Eros has shown himself to be more honorable than him, Antony falls on his sword to no avail: Antony has seriously wounded himself but not seriously enough to have killed himself outright. Summoning his guards, Antony begs one of them to finish the job that he has failed to do himself. All of his guards baulk at the order, however. By and by, Cleopatras attendant, Diomedes, arrives to inform Antony that Cleopatra is actually alive, that she had wanted Antony to think that she had died on account of Antonys rage which was unwarranted as Cleopatra has not now or ever betrayed Antony. Summoning his guards, Antony begs them to convey him to Cleopatra. They tearfully oblige their masters one last request.

SCENE 15
Antony urges Cleopatra not to cry nor to act as one who has been defeated as his demise is selfinflicted. He urges her to make her peace with Caesar and to stay alive. And when remembering Antony, not to think of this moment, but to recall Antony in his glory when he ruled a third of the world and was accounted the most noblest prince. Cleopatra assures Antony, however, that as long as knives and poisons retain their deadliness that she will never submit to Caesar or let Octavia pity her. She begs Antony not to die and thereby deprive her of the one thing that makes life worth living. Antony dies of course, steeling Cleopatras resolve to seek out death before it ever see ks her out.

Summary Act 5
SCENE 1
Caesar orders Dolabella to send word to Antony to surrender, that its utter foolishness to indefinitely delay the inevitable, when Decretus emerges with Antonys bloodied sword and the news that Antony has died by his own hands, the bloodied sword attesting to the fact. Though this ought to come as good news, Caesar, Agrippa, and Maecenas cant help but to grieve. Presently, a messenger from Cleopatra enters the scene to ask Caesar of Cleopatras fate. Caesar assures the messenger that Rome will be kind to Cleopatra. As the messenger leaves to deliver the message, Caesar commissions Proculeius to give Cleopatra further assurance of Romes good intentions and to make sure that she doesnt kill herself and thereby deprive Caesar the honor that will be his if he manages to have Cleopatra alive and well and paraded before the people of Rome. By and by, Caesar invites Agrippa and Maecenas to confirm that his campaign against Antony was conducted while paying Antony the highest regard that an enemy might warrant.

SCENE 2
Proculeius comes on Caesars behalf to assure Cleopatra that she is in good hands only to have her bound and restrained lest she resort to suicide. Defiant, Cleopatra declares that she would rather die rotting in an open grave in Egypt than be paraded as an object of derision in Rome. Presently, Dolabella takes custody of Cleopatra while Proculeius reports to Caesar. Dolabellas cour teousness and honesty are well appreciated by Cleopatra who sings the praises of Antony. Soon, they are joined by Caesar who assures Cleopatra that as long as she doesnt follow Antonys example and kill herself that her children will live and grow up to inherit Egypt. He even allows her to keep the treasures that she has failed to report--treasures that Seleucus, Cleopatras treasurer, makes known unto Caesar defying Cleopatras express command to keep their existence a secret. By and by, Caesar and his at tendants leave, but not before informing Cleopatra that she and her children must set out for Rome in three days time. Alone with her ladies-in-waiting, Cleopatra orders preparations be made for her final act. A basket is delivered by a country fellow who makes a point of cautioning Cleopatra, to mind what are contained in the basket. Nonetheless, dressing herself in her finest royal attire, Cleopatra kisses Iras and Charmian goodbye before applying the contents of the basket to her person. Cleopatra dies, and as Charmian straightens Cleopatras crown, which is sitting crooked, Caesars soldiers on guard come upon the scene only to witness Charmian die as she herself applies a poisonous snake to her person. Eventually, Caesar appears to behold the scene. He orders Cleopatra to be buried beside Antony, and exclaims that the world may never again behold such a glorious pair.