The most influential character in William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar is Marcus Brutus. Throughout the play, Brutus shows his devotion to his county, rather than to his friendship with Caesar. Another characteristic of Brutus is his ability to be manipulated easily. These aspects of his personality dictate the entire play in both direct and indirect ways. He is the catalyst in the play that brings changes to everyone, and even change to Rome itself.

One of the more apparent characteristics of Brutus is his belief that he should do what is best for Rome, even if that means killing one of his better friends. He puts his duty to Rome above everything in his life. The only reason he agrees to take part in the assassination of Caesar is the fact that he was convinced Rome will fall with Caesar as dictator. He is persuaded to believe that if...