Shakespeare's complex work The tragedy of Julius Caesar contains several tragic heroes; a tragic hero is held in high political or social esteem but possesses an obvious character flaw. This obvious arrogance undoubtedly causes the character's death or severe decay, forcing the character to undergo a heartfelt moment of enlightenment and reconciliation. Brutus, one of these tragic heroes, is a devoted friend of the great Julius Caesar, that is, until he makes many execrable decisions that he will soon regret; becomes involved in a plot to kill the omniscient ruler of Rome in 44 BC After committing the crime, Mark Antony, a greedy and passionate follower of Caesar, is left alive under the orders of Brutus to take revenge on the villains who killed his beloved Caesar. After Antony turns a revolting Rome against him and declares war on him and the conspirators, Brutus falls by his own hand, turning the same sword with which he massacred Caesar against himself. Brutus is undoubtedly the tragic hero in this play because he has an innumerable amount of character flaws, he falls due to these flaws and then faces them as he bleeds on the plains of Philippi. Furthermore, Brutus is considered a prime tragic hero due to his numerous character flaws or arrogance. An example is Brutus's flawed logic. Even by deciding to kill Caesar because of what he "will do," but not because of what he has done, Brutus sets himself up for failure. “And therefore regard it as a serpent's egg hatching, it would become as mischievous as its kind and kill it in the shell” (911). Brutus' reasoning for killing Caesar in such cold blood is because he is afraid of what he might do or what he might become. However, this is clearly faulty logic, for...... middle of paper ...... and the well-being of a country, a people and a republic. “'This was the noblest Roman of all. All the conspirators, except him alone, did what they did out of envy of the great Caesar; he, only in a general honest thought and of common good to all, made one"" (998). Although he begins as a seemingly menacing traitor to his country, Brutus ultimately embarks on the journey to a sympathetic and noble tragic hero. In conclusion, Brutus is a tragic hero in this majestic play because he is burdened with countless character flaws that generate his inevitable awakening, enlightenment, and death. They also lead to his dramatic change from despicable demon to Rome's beloved companion. Through enormous losses and a profound change of character, Brutus transforms into a regal and tragic hero. Works cited Elements of literature. Orlando: Holt, Winston, Rinehart, 2007