Literature has many forms, and each form has its own unique structure for telling a story. When studying, teaching, or learning about narration in literature, it is also important to understand its underlying arrangement. How is it created? What are the parts of a story? What aspects differ from one form to another?
Fearing Rome would lose its democracy under the rule of Caesar, Brutus agrees to kill his friend in the name of Rome. Conspiring with other senators, Brutus and Cassius stab Caesar to death Caesar on the day of his coronation. Julius Caesar famously says, "Et tu, Brute?" indicating his deep feeling of betrayal.
It's not a comic book, it's a graphic novel! Help your students start their very own graphic novel or turn whatever you are reading into a graphic novel version!
Shakespeare Julius Caesar Summary | Shakespeare's Five Act Structure
Storyboard Text
EXPOSITION
You blocks, you stones, you worthless fools - GO HOME!
CONFLICT
Cassius, what you speak of is treason!
RISING ACTION
I have no personal reason to spur at him...
Caesar returns from battling a former Roman general. He is victorious, and the citizens are celebrating in his honor. Not all Romans are pleased with Caesar though; they fear him, and believe that he is on the path to becoming a dictator.
CLIMAX
Sic Semper Tyrannus!
A group of senators have turned against Caesar and elicit Brutus, one of Caesar’s friends, to join a conspiracy against him.
FALLING ACTION
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears!
Brutus considers whether or not to trust Caesar. He eventually joins the conspiracy because he fears what Caesar may become if he is made King. He states it is not that he loves Caesar less, but that he loves Rome more.
DENOUEMENT
Brutus was an honorable man!
The conspirators lure Caesar to the capital and kill him.
Brutus asks Antony to show support for his actions by speaking to the crowd. Antony is supposed to agree with the conspirators, but he backhandedly causes a riot, forcing the conspirators to flee the city.
Antony forms an alliance that vows revenge for Caesar’s death. He, Caesar's nephew Octavius, and Lepidus go after the conspirators in battle. Eventually, all the conspirators commit suicide, and Antony proclaims that Brutus shall receive a hero's burial.