A Tribune was an elected official of ancient Rome, voted into office by the plebeian assembly. They were originally infantry commanders, and under the early republic there were six to a legion (Shmoop). Their main task was to protect the people against oppression (Livius). While Flavius and Murellus carry the title of distinguished Tribunes, their intentions are far from honorable. In the opening of Julius Caesar, the pair are chastising lower class citizens for not working on that day. However, the citizens are busy celebrating the return of Julius Caesar, and the tribunes are well aware aware of this. In my opinion, Flavius and Murellus are in the wrong not because they conspired against Caesar, but that they fell short in their duty