The play presents different vies of heroism primarily through two central characters, Caesar and Brutus. Caesar is represents a view characterised by courage and defiance. He sees himself as superior and resolute. Brutus by contrast, is admired for inner qualities. His heroism is defined by integrity, honour, dignity, stoicism and altruism. Shakespeare values these qualities over Caesars version of heroism. Normal ideas of heroism, nobility, honour and courage appear in the text but also there are references to shame and cowardice.

Caesar the `hero' is presented as a passionate, confident and egocentric man with a fearless defiance of death and danger. He compares himself to `two lions' which stresses his courage and strength. He is defiant and dismissive of the dangers that are thought to threaten him. `The things that threatened me ne'er looked but on my back, when they shall Caesar, they are vanished.' `Caesar' he...