What Is Coriolanus About?
The premise of Coriolanus in 299 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a war-torn city that calls itself Rome, tension simmers between the ruling class and the hungry commoners, a divide deepened by ongoing conflict with the neighboring Volsci. Amid the unrest stands Caius Martius, known as Coriolanus, a brilliant and battle-hardened general whose military prowess has earned him both admiration and deep resentment. His disdain for the plebeians is no secret, and his contempt for popular rule makes him a polarizing figure in a city already balanced on a knife’s edge.
The pressure to translate his battlefield fame into political power comes from his mother, Volumnia, a formidable woman who sees in her son the potential to rise to the office of Consul. Reluctantly, Coriolanus steps into the political arena, where his sharp tongue and refusal to court public favor quickly draw the suspicion of watchful tribunes who see him as a threat to the fragile balance of power. What begins as a contest for civic recognition soon spirals into something far more dangerous, as personal pride collides with populist fury.
Beyond the walls of Rome, Coriolanus carries an equally intense rivalry with Tullus Aufidius, the Volscian commander whose many encounters on the battlefield have forged a grudging respect between sworn enemies. Their mutual hostility shadows every decision, a simmering force that promises to reshape loyalties on both sides of the conflict. As Rome fractures under the weight of its own divisions, alliances blur and old enmities take on new meaning.
The story unfolds with a modern, urgent energy, drawing its intensity from the collision of ancient ambition and contemporary political unrest. Honor, vengeance, and the struggle for legitimacy pulse through every confrontation, painting a portrait of a hero whose greatest battles may not be fought on the field at all, but in the unforgiving arena of public opinion.
What Happens in Coriolanus?
The complete story of Coriolanus, from the first scene to the last, in 590 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
In an unnamed Balkan city-state, often referred to as “a place that calls itself Rome,” a significant civil unrest unfolds as citizens protest against the withholding of grain supplies and the erosion of their civil liberties due to an ongoing conflict between Rome and the Volsci. The rioters, fueled by their frustration, particularly target Caius Martius, a formidable Roman general they blame for the dire situation. During a tense encounter, Martius openly exhibits disdain towards the common people, reinforcing their anger towards him.
Simultaneously, Tullus Aufidius, the commander of the Volscian army, vows that their next battle will determine the fate of their long-standing rivalry. Martius boldly leads a fierce raid into the Volscian city of Corioles. Despite suffering heavy losses in his unit, Martius manages to rally reinforcements, resulting in a hard-fought victory for the Romans. However, a dramatic confrontation occurs as Martius and Aufidius engage in a brutal duel, which concludes with both warriors wounded, but Aufidius being forcibly removed by his men.
Upon his victorious return to Rome, Martius is honored by General Cominius, who bestows upon him the title of “Coriolanus,” recognizing his extraordinary bravery in battle. Following this, Volumnia, his mother, encourages him to pursue a position as consul within the Roman Senate. After much reluctance, Coriolanus ultimately consents to his mother’s ambitions. Surprisingly, he initially gains the support of the citizens due to his military accolades.
However, tribunes Brutus and Sicinius grow suspicious of Coriolanus’s rising influence and fear that his popularity may challenge the Senate’s authority. They orchestrate a campaign to undermine him, leading to unrest among the populace. When they label Coriolanus a traitor, he reacts vehemently, denouncing the very concept of popular governance and revealing his contempt for the common people. He famously declares that allowing the citizens power over senators is akin to “crows pecking the eagles.” The tribunes seize on his outburst to banish him from Rome. In defiance, Coriolanus retorts, “There is a world elsewhere,” vowing to detach himself from the city he feels has wronged him.
Now exiled, Coriolanus seeks refuge with Aufidius in the Volscian stronghold of Antium. Displaying a mix of spite and bitterness, he offers to let Aufidius take his life. However, moved by Coriolanus’s situation and eager to align with such a legendary general, Aufidius and his commanders welcome him, allowing Coriolanus to orchestrate a renewed attack on Rome, driven by thoughts of revenge against the city that cast him out.
As the Volscians march on Rome, an air of panic ensues among the Roman officials. General Titus is dispatched to implore Coriolanus to cease his assault; however, he is unsuccessful. Senator Menenius later tries to mediate but also faces rejection. Despondent over the unfolding chaos, Menenius tragically takes his own life by a riverside. In a moment of desperation, Volumnia advocates for peace, accompanied by Virgilia, Coriolanus’s wife, and their son. Their heartfelt plea ignites a change in Coriolanus, who eventually agrees to negotiate peace between the Volscians and the Romans alongside General Cominius.
Yet, once he returns to the Volscian border, Coriolanus faces a grim reality. Aufidius and his men now regard him as a traitor, stripping away his title of Coriolanus, referring to him only as Martius. Aufidius, filled with betrayal over Coriolanus’s choice to spare Rome, leads an attack against him. Ultimately, the complexities of honor, loyalty, and betrayal culminate in a tragic fate for Coriolanus as he is attacked and killed by Aufidius and his forces, a victim of the very political tug-of-war that led to his downfall.
Coriolanus Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
16 key events in the order they happen, from “Riots Begin” to “Coriolanus's Downfall”. 14 events name a place, across 5 locations.
- 1
Riots Begin
In an unknown Balkan city-state, citizens become increasingly agitated due to the withholding of grain stores and reduced civil liberties. This unrest leads to rampant riots as the populace expresses their frustration over the ongoing conflict between Rome and the Volscians.
Where:Balkan city-state
- 2
Rioters Target Caius Martius
Among the targets of the riots is Caius Martius, a Roman general esteemed for his military prowess but loathed for his disdain towards commoners. The angry mob confronts Martius, who shows no remorse for their plight and openly expresses his contempt for the citizens.
Where:Balkan city-state
- 3
The Oath of Tullus Aufidius
Tullus Aufidius, commander of the Volscian army and a rival of Martius, considers him a mortal enemy. After several battles, Aufidius swears that their next encounter will be the final one, illustrating the deep personal conflict between the two leaders.
- 4
Battle of Corioles
Martius leads a daring raid against the Volscian city of Corioles. Although much of his unit is lost, Martius manages to gather reinforcements, allowing the Romans to successfully capture the city amid heavy fighting.
Where:Corioles
- 5
Single Combat with Aufidius
After the fall of Corioles, Martius confronts Aufidius in single combat. Their fierce duel leaves both men wounded, but Aufidius's soldiers forcibly pull him away, ending the fight without a clear victor.
Where:Corioles
- 6
Martius Returns to Rome
Victorious from the battle, Martius returns to Rome to a warm reception. In recognition of his bravery, he is granted the title 'Coriolanus' by General Cominius, celebrating his achievements on the battlefield.
Where:Rome
- 7
Pressure to Run for Consul
Coriolanus's mother, Volumnia, urges him to enter politics and run for consul in the Roman Senate. Despite his initial reluctance, he eventually consents to her wishes and campaigns for the position.
Where:Rome
- 8
Coriolanus Wins the Senate
Coriolanus easily secures a position in the Roman Senate, bolstered by his military accolades. Initially, it seems he has also gained the support of the common people, further solidifying his power.
Where:Rome
- 9
Opposition from Tribunes
The tribunes, Brutus and Sicinius, grow concerned about Coriolanus's political ascent. Fearful of his potential to amass power at the Senate's expense, they devise a scheme to undermine him, igniting further tensions within the city.
Where:Rome
- 10
Coriolanus's Anger
As the tribunes label Coriolanus a traitor, he responds with fury, denouncing the concept of popular rule and expressing his disdain for the citizens. This outburst leads to his public condemnation and further alienates him from the people.
Where:Rome
Show the other 6 events of Coriolanus Hide the last 6 events
- 11
Exile from Rome
After being declared a traitor, Coriolanus faces banishment from Rome. In defiance, he vows to forsake the city, declaring, 'There is a world elsewhere,' signifying his rejection of the place that betrayed him.
Where:Rome
- 12
Alliance with Aufidius
Seeking revenge against Rome, Coriolanus approaches Aufidius in Antium, the capital of the Volscians, and offers his services. Moved by his struggles and eager to fight alongside him, Aufidius welcomes Coriolanus into their ranks.
Where:Antium
- 13
Volscian Assault on Rome
Coriolanus and Aufidius orchestrate a Volscian attack on Rome, intent on exacting retribution. The threat of violence throws the Roman populace into a state of panic as they scramble to respond to the impending attack.
Where:Rome
- 14
Attempts to Persuade Coriolanus
To halt the Volscian advance, Rome sends General Titus to plead with Coriolanus, but his appeal fails. Following Titus's unsuccessful mission, Senator Menenius endeavors to sway Coriolanus but faces similar rejection.
Where:Rome
- 15
Volumnia's Plea for Peace
In a final effort to save Rome, Volumnia confronts Coriolanus, accompanied by his wife and son. Her heartfelt arguments convince Coriolanus to reconsider his course of action, leading him to broker peace between the Romans and Volscians.
- 16
Coriolanus's Downfall
Upon returning to the Volscian border, Coriolanus is met with hostility from Aufidius and his soldiers, who feel betrayed by his peace negotiations. Ultimately, Aufidius and his men attack Coriolanus, resulting in his tragic death.
Where:Volscian border
Who Are the Main Characters in Coriolanus?
3 characters, among them Caius Martius Coriolanus, Tullus Aufidius and Volumnia: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- CM
Caius Martius Coriolanus
Caius Martius Coriolanus is a proud and disciplined Roman general, renowned for his military prowess yet scornful of the common populace. His unwavering belief in the superiority of his own values isolates him and fuels his tragic downfall. Caught between his loyalty to his country and his contempt for its people, his character grapples with deep internal conflict.
- ⚔️ Hero
- 🎖️ Warrior
- 🏛️ Noble
- TA
Tullus Aufidius
Tullus Aufidius is a formidable leader of the Volscian army, characterized by his fierce rivalry with Coriolanus. His respect for Coriolanus's skills as a warrior is juxtaposed with his desire for vengeance. Throughout the film, Aufidius embodies the complexity of honor in warfare and the thin line between enmity and alliance.
- ⚔️ Rival
- 🛡️ Warrior
- 🏛️ Leader
- V
Volumnia
Volumnia, Coriolanus's mother, is a strong and influential figure who plays a crucial role in her son's political life. Her expectations and ambitions for him to succeed in the Senate reflect her own strong character and desire for power. She represents the personal motives intertwined with political actions and family loyalty.
- 👩👦 Mother
- 🎭 Politics
- ⚖️ Influence
Where and When Is Coriolanus Set?
Coriolanus is set in Balkan city-state, Corioles and Antium (Ancient Rome). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Ancient Rome
The events occur during a tumultuous period in ancient Rome characterized by power struggles, military conflicts, and political betrayal. This time is marked by tension between the ruling senators and the common people, reflecting the societal divisions within the Roman Republic. As a backdrop to this conflict, wars with neighboring territories add layers of complexity to the political landscape.
Where
Balkan city-state, Corioles, Antium
The movie takes place in an unspecified Balkan city-state, reminiscent of ancient Rome, where civil unrest arises due to food shortages and political turmoil. Corioles is a significant location as it is a Volscian city that becomes the battleground for a critical military campaign. Antium, the capital of the Volsci, serves as a contrasting backdrop where alliances shift and vengeance is sought.
- 🏛️ Historical
- 🌍 Location
- ⚔️ War
What Are the Themes of Coriolanus?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Betrayal, Power Dynamics and Honor vs. Loyalty.
-
01
Betrayal
Betrayal serves as a central theme in the film, particularly in Coriolanus’s relationship with both Rome and Aufidius. His decisions lead to the alienation of his allies and the citizens he once fought to protect. This theme explores how loyalty can be tested amidst political ambition and personal honor.
-
02
Power Dynamics
The film delves into the complexities of power dynamics within society, particularly between the nobles and the common citizens. Coriolanus’s disdain for the plebeians highlights his internal conflicts regarding governance and leadership. The struggle for control and the consequences of overwhelming pride drive the narrative forward.
-
03
Honor vs. Loyalty
The tension between personal honor and loyalty to one's state is a critical theme for Coriolanus. His commitment to his mother’s wishes clashes with his military honor, leading to tragic outcomes. The struggle to reconcile these conflicting values forms the emotional core of his character arc.
What Kind of Film Is Coriolanus?
Dark in tone, with variable pacing and a complex story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Variable
- Story
- Complex
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Sad
A gritty, politically charged Shakespearean tragedy where a proud warrior's contempt for the common people leads to exile, vengeance, and ultimate destruction amid tense battles and brooding intrigue.
- dark
- tense
- gritty
- somber
- political
- tragic
- political intrigue
- revenge
- class conflict
- exile
Content notes: war violence, suicide, murder, mob violence, political violence.
Quiz
How well do you remember Coriolanus? Test yourself on the story.
