ACT 1
Scene 1. The common people of Rome have gathered in the streets to applaud Caesar. The tribunes
Flavius and Marullus upbraid them for their fickleness, reminding them that they once gathered in the
same way to cheer Pompey, whom Caesar defeated. The tribunes disperse the crowd; they hope that
they can limit Caesar's growing power.
Scene 2. A great crowd has gathered in holiday mood. Caesar enters with his wife Calphurnia and
various patricians, including Antony. A Soothsayer calls out, warning Caesar to "beware the ides of
March." Caesar dismisses him as a dreamer. The patricians Brutus and Cassius watch the crowd go
by. Cassius hints at his fear that Caesar wishes to take all power in Rome into his own hands. Brutus,
though Caesar's friend, shares Cassius's anxiety; Caesar, meanwhile, confesses to Antony that Cassius
makes him uneasy. Shouts from the people are heard. Casca arrives and tells Brutus and Cassius that
three times the crown of Rome has been offered to Caesar: three times he has refused it, though each
time with increasing reluctance. Brutus and Cassius agree to meet the next day to consider the course
events have taken. Left alone, Cassius speaks of his plans to overthrow Caesar.