Julius Caesar: A Roman General and Senator

Brutus: Caesar's friend, a supporter of the Republic

Antony: Caesar's loyal friend

Cassius: Brutus's friend, a talented General

Octavius: Caesar's adopted son and appointed successor

Casca: A public figure opposing Caesar's rise to power

Calphurnia: Caesar's wife

Portia: Brutus's wife

Flavius: A tribune

Cicero: A Roman senator

Marullus: A tribune who condemns the plebians

Decius: A member of the conspiracy

Lepidus: Third member of Antony and Octavius's coalition

Julius Caesar, a legendary Roman military general, had expanded his Empire by winning a series of epic battles. Loved and respected by all, Caesar rose to become a powerful Roman politician in the succeeding years of his life. He visited the Kingdoms of great kings in conquered many foreign lands.

The pinnacle of his power, the Mighty Pompey challenged him to the battle of Pharsalus. Unsurprisingly, Caesar won the battle and vanquished the Republic, making Pompey flee to Egypt.

Soon, the news of Caesar's triumph over Pomey spread throughout Rome. The commoners left their jobs and crowded the streets of Rome to celebrate Caesar's victory. However, not everyone was happy with Caesar's triumph. Many of Caesar's enemies sent the commoners back to work before the celebrations could even begin.

Two men, Flavius and Marullus, were scolding the carpenters, cobblers, and other commoners to resume their daily jobs. The commoners, in return, regaled the story of Caesar's victory in the battle of Pharsalus. Marullus scolded them, "Are you all mad? You should thank God for sparing you the punishment for such ingratitude! Don't you remember worshipping Pompey? Today you celebrate his defeat! You should be ashamed of yourselves! "

The commoners listen to Marullus quietly and dispersed. " Marullus, we must ensure that no one celebrates Caesar's victory. There should be no decorations for his welcome." said Flavius.

That afternoon, the trumpets announced Caesar's arrival. A large crowd followed Caesar's carriage. Suddenly, Caesar stopped his carriage and pointed towards his wife who was standing in the crowd.

He addressed Mark Antony, " I shall have Calphurnia stand in your path before the holy race. It is said that if you touch an infertile woman during this race, she is freed of barrenness. "

Antony moved forward and touched Calphurnia. At that moment, a fortune teller in the crowd called Caesar's name. Caesar asked the fortune teller what he wanted. He answered, "Sir beware of the 15th of March. It will be the worst day for you. "

Caesar ignored his warning and moved ahead with his attendants. Soon, the place emptied, leaving Brutus and Cassius alone.

Cassius asked, "Brutus, do you want to take part in the holy race?"

Brutus shook his head. "No I am not as competitive as Antony, but you can go to the race! "

Cassius replied, "Don't mind me, but I have no test that you are less friendly to me nowadays... "

"No, Cassius I am just uncomfortable and uneasy. My inner conflicts are troubling me. "

Cassius apologized to Brutus for misunderstanding his feelings. He urged him to look within himself and eradicate all sins from there to find some peace. Brutus was confused.

"I will help you in realizing your true self, Brutus," said Cassius.

Suddenly, they heard the sound of trumpets.

"What is that commotion?" asked Brutus. "Oh! I'm afraid they have crowned Caesar their king! "

"Brutus, do you hate Caesar? " Cassius asked carefully.

"No. I love Caesar very much. Anyway, tell me what did you want to talk about? If it is regarding the goodwill of the Romans, then I will listen. If not, then let me leave. " He hurriedly brushed Cassius off.

"I know that you care about the Romans very much. We are similar to Caesar, and we are as free as he is. Once, Caesar challenged me to jump into the rough waters. I did not think for a moment before jumping, but when I asked Caesar to follow, he jumped and got trapped amidst the harsh waves. I rescued him. Today, he has become ambitious and acts like God. It amuses me to see such a weak man speak so highly of himself in front of the Romans!"

A loud shout interrupted Cassius. More trumpets started playing.

"I think they are applauding for Caesar's new awards," said Brutus.

Cassius replied bitterly, "I wonder what is so special about Caesar? How are all his victories any better than yours? You eat the same food as him. There is no difference between you and Caesar, but he is given special treatment all the time."

Brutus realized that perhaps Cassius disliked Caesar. "I believe that you truly care for me, Cassius. I understand what you are trying to tell me. I will think about what you have said and share my thoughts later, but for now, I will hold my tongue."

They abruptly stop talking when they see Caesar himself walking towards them, a thunderous expression on his face, with Casca and his followers. Cassius advised Brutus to pull Casca aside and find out what was happening.

When Caesar stopped to discuss something with Antony, Brutus took Casca aside.

"Casca tell us what happened today. Why does Caesar look upset? "

Casca told him that the crown was offered to Caesar thrice by Antony, but he declined each time. "The crowd was shouting for this reason. I do not know anymore as I felt it was all too silly to pay attention to. I feel that Caesar was just pretending to refuse the crown. The crowd was being so ridiculous! I had to control my laughter!"

Meanwhile, Caesar pointed towards Cassius and said to Antony, "Look at him, How lean and unhealthy! I don't want such men in my country."

Antony replied, "Sir, Cassius is a noble Roman who is completely harmless."

Cassius asked Casca to continue the story. Casca replied, "When Antony offered the crown for the third time Caesar denied it, and everyone screamed. I believe that Caesar couldn't pretend anymore, which is why he had a fit and he collapsed. That's why he looks so serious."

Casca turned to leave but was stopped by Brutus asking him if he wanted to dine with them. He politely declined and bid them goodbye. Brutus left soon after him.

Cassius watched Brutus walking home and smiled, satisfied. "It's so easy to bend Brutus's frame of mind. Caesar hates me but he loves Brutus. And I have influenced Brutus to conspire against Caesar. "

Tonight, I will plant some letters inside Brutus's house and make it seem like the citizens have written these letters. In them, I will hint at the possibility of Brutus becoming the king instead of Caesar. "