Characterization of Coriolanus

Shakespeare's last play, Coriolanus was undoubtedly not his most popular. The play describes a story of a god-like warrior who conquers the city of Corioles and granted a renaming to "Coriolanus" in honor of his bravery and confidence. Shakespeare develops the character of Coriolanus both indirectly and directly for the purpose of obtaining an incomplete demigod esque character who is unable to transform into a classical hero. To further highlight this, In act 1, Shakespeare develops his character so significantly, only to fall and intentionally make him a "tragic hero".

This political play contributes to Shakespeares characterization of Coriolanus. In Act 1, Martius has a fight with the plebeians of which increases opportunity to characterize him through different perspective whilst applying a political context.  Coriolanus is described as the "chief enemy of the people" because of the grain issue currently hindering the Roman society. It is obvious that in later scenes that characters such as Menenius and Volumnia think very differently about him, giving an indirect view of his character. Later, during the battle of Volsces, Coriolanus is a brave and honorable member of the Roman army during his first encounter with Aufidius. This was also an indication of foreshadowing his attack against his own kin(betrayal and exile to Rome) whilst intentionally developing his traits and qualities to make him a stronger protagonist. 

We see numerous cases of foreshadowing and repetition that engraves various themes and asks questions about the play as the plot thickens. Furthermore, this allows the play to go forward whilst we continue to learn about his character through indirect characterization of him in the past and his transition of what he currently is taking into consideration the historical context. Lastly, and more importantly, Coriolanus has been built as an incomplete classical hero and referenced to the more popular classic hero Hector. "When she did suckle Hector...Then hectors forehead when it spit forth blood, At grecian sword contemning". Doing this helps the audience understand Shakespeare's intentions of Coriolanus' demi god like characterization that ends up tragically, and so he ends up becoming a Tragic hero.

In conclusion, Shakespeare uses historical and political context to both drive the story of Coriolanus' whilst directly and indirectly characterizing him to become a strong protagonist that lives only to see his own downfall.