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Coriolanus

Coriolanus is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, set in the early Roman Republic.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Coriolanus is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, set in the early Roman Republic. It follows the Roman general Caius Martius, whose military success and contempt for popular politics lead to exile, revenge, and death.

Plot

The play opens amid unrest in Rome, where plebeians protest hunger and political inequality. After Coriolanus wins military honour, his contempt for the public and failure to win votes for consul lead to exile, alliance with Volscians, and eventual death.

Characters

Major figures include Coriolanus, his mother Volumnia, his wife Virgilia, the Volscian leader Aufidius, and Roman political figures such as Menenius, Brutus, and Sicinius. Their conflicts drive the play’s political and family tensions.

Themes

The play examines pride, political legitimacy, social class, vengeance, and the relationship between private family bonds and public duty. It is also known for its portrayal of tension between military honour and democratic politics.

Text and performance history

Coriolanus is generally dated to the mid-1600s of Shakespeare’s career and was published in the First Folio in 1623. It has remained a major stage text in Shakespearean repertory and is frequently interpreted as one of his most overtly political tragedies.

Key facts

  • The play centres on the Roman general Caius Martius, who is renamed Coriolanus after victory at Corioles.
  • Its plot involves conflict between Rome’s patricians and plebeians, including disputes over grain, political representation, and the consulship.
  • Coriolanus is banished from Rome after refusing to court popular support.
  • He joins his former enemy Aufidius and threatens Rome before being persuaded by his mother Volumnia to stop.
  • Aufidius later has Coriolanus killed after feeling betrayed by his decision to spare Rome.
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Canadian context

The play is part of the standard Shakespeare canon studied and performed in Canada, including in theatre, secondary schools, and university English programs.

Frequently asked questions

What is Coriolanus about?
It is about a Roman general whose battlefield success is undone by his inability to engage with ordinary citizens and political compromise.
Who wrote Coriolanus?
It was written by William Shakespeare.
Is Coriolanus a tragedy?
Yes. It is classified as a Shakespearean tragedy.
Who is Coriolanus in the play?
Coriolanus is Caius Martius, a Roman general who earns the title after his military victory at Corioles.
How does the play end?
Coriolanus is persuaded by his mother to abandon his attack on Rome, and he is later killed by followers of Aufidius.
What themes does the play explore?
It explores pride, class conflict, revenge, public opinion, and the tension between military honour and political life.

References

  1. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust — https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/explore-shakespeare/shakespedia/shakespeares-plays/coriolanus/
    Supports: Plot summary, main characters, and tragic ending.
  2. Folger Shakespeare Library — https://www.folger.edu/explore/shakespeares-works/coriolanus/
    Supports: Setting in the early Roman Republic, political conflict, and family themes.
  3. Royal Shakespeare Company — https://www.rsc.org.uk/coriolanus/the-plot
    Supports: Synopsis, political conflict, and death of Coriolanus.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coriolanus
    Supports: Approximate date of composition and First Folio publication.