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Coriolanus takes place around the turn of the fifth century BCE, as Rome was transitioning from a kingdom into a republic. An essential component of this transition involved establishing the office of the tribune, which was an elected position that gave representation to the common people in the Roman senate. As the play begins, this new office has only recently been established, and its first two officers—Brutus and Sicinius—have just been elected. From their first appearance onstage, the tribunes seem to have it out for Coriolanus, whom they view as a tyrannical personality who disdains the plebeian class. They interpret his every word and action as an expression of despotic pride, and they use their power as elected officials to manipulate the common people into organizing against him. Shakespeare’s depicts the tribunes as men who, perhaps intoxicated by their newfound influence, act in bad faith. Yet however the audience may feel about how Brutus and Sicinius lead the charge against Coriolanus, it’s clear that their final victory in having him banished comes from their superior capacity as politicians. Whereas Coriolanus refuses to play a role in the theater of politics, the tribunes command the stage with great canniness.
