How Is Mark Antony Manipulated

In William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, Mark Antony is recognized for his early life and allegiance with Caesar. His character was crucial in this story since he was elected a tribune and was a passionate advocate of Caesar. Throughout the play, Caesar trusted Mark Antony and treated him as a friend. Even though Mark Antony was seen as noble, he was not without defects. Mark Antony exhibited manipulative, clever, and loyal characteristics. Mark Antony manipulated the conspirators in ways that would help him achieve his goals in the end. Antony sent Lepidus, who was a good friend of Caesar when he was alive, to obtain Caesar's will so he could reduce some of the benefits. Lepidus joined forces with Antony to avenge Caesar's death. Antony used Lepidus in battle only to assume his power he held for himself. Speaking to Octavius, Antony says “he is a scrawny worthless man, fit only for running our errands. Is it appropriate that we divide the roman world in thirds?” (Shakespear,59) Letting Lepidus believe he will be

“Will you be patient? Will you stay awhile? I have o’ershot myself to tell you of it. I fear I wrong the honorable man whose daggers have stabbed. I do fear it.” (Shakespeare, 51) By making the conspirators think he is on their side Antony was able to fulfill his plan by speaking at Caesar's funeral. He turned the Romans against the conspirators for killing Caesar without them expecting it. Antony was able to persuade the Romans to side with him on Caesar's death by his smooth words. “He was my friend, faithful and just to me. But Brutus says he is an honorable man… when that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept… yet Brutus says he was ambitious, and Brutus is an honorable man...” (Shakespeare, 49) by repeating that Brutus is an honorable man, made the Romans start to question and disagree with his