‘The noblest Roman of them all.’ How far do you agree with this description of Shakespeare’s portrayal of Brutus?

Brutus can be seen as both searching for the common good, but distracted by the possibility of power. In reality, Brutus is himself the true protagonist of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, with the action of the play centring around him. Mark Anthony's loaded praise that Brutus was 'The noblest Roman of them all' tells us more about Anthony's character than it does about Brutus's. There is irony in this judgement; Brutus can be considered such as Anthony is victorious in war, and has succeeded in avenging Caesar's death. Anthony is a master of rhetoric, and as such this opinion of Brutus is more important to our understanding of Anthony in his own battle for power than for Brutus.Brutus' character is not clearcut, and Shakespeare masterfully presents a character torn between loyalty to the state and to his leader. Brutus agonises over the choice to assassinate the emperor, heavily influenced by Cassius. Therefore, in Shakespeare's decision to concentrate heavily on Brutus's psychological struggle behind his decision, he demonstrates how his actions are not clearly black and white. Brutus is not the betrayer Dante sees him to be, and Mark Anthony cannot be absolved of having pure intention. Shakespeare demonstrates that nobility and sin can be found in the same character with his presentation of Brutus's character and actions.