In Act II, scene I of his play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare reveals the complexities of one of the most important characters in the play, Brutus. Brutus has three distinct roles in the scene: a master, a husband, and a conspirator. While Brutus proves to be a fair-minded master and loving husband, it is unfortunate for him that he is a weak conspirator, for that is the role that ultimately brings about his demise.

In the pivotal scene, Brutus reveals that he is a fair and kind master to his servant, Lucius. Discovering the whereabouts of his servant, Brutus reacts with compassion, "Boy! Lucius! Fast asleep! It is no matter; / Enjoy the honey-heavy dew of slumber; / Thou hast no figures nor no fantasies, / Which busy care draws in the brains of men; / Therefore thou sleepst so sound" (pg 25). Brutus understands that Lucius is his servant...