CORIOLANUS SYNOPSIS
ACT 1
ROME, AT THE BIRTH OF THE ROMAN REPUBLIC
(after the reign of several tyrant kings)
We begin in the middle of riots among the Roman Plebeians– they are fighting for wheat, and bread. Ultimately, they receive two Tribunes– voters– who speak on their behalf in the assembly. The plebeians are pissed at war hero Caius Martius (later, the titular Coriolanus), who resents them for throwing a tantrum and getting their way. They hate him for being stuck up. Menenius, a friend of Caius Martius who is generally well liked among the common people, convinces them to drop their weapons; tensions remain high since C.M. won’t stop insulting everyone to their faces.
Caius Martius (not Coriolanus yet) is serving in Cominius’ army during the siege of a neighboring town, Corioli. He charges the town gates, solo. He comes back wounded and honorable. They win because of his effort, and he is renamed Coriolanus as a reward for his bravery.
Coriolanus decides, now that he’s famous, it’s time to run for Rome’s highest office, Consul. But to do that he needs to beg for “voices”-- votes– from people he disdains. The plebeians say they’ll vote for him. PSYCH. They take their votes back, and Coriolanus goes ballistic.
His mother, Volumnia, and other allies tell him to take it all back, and get in good with the common people. He tries to be civil, but can’t act gently. They banish him to the land of enemy #1, Aufidius.
ACT 2
*BIGGEST SPOILERS, PROCEED WITH CAUTION*
ANTIUM (ROME’S RIVAL CITY), AND ROME
Coriolanus is now in Antium with Aufidius, living in his home. They form an intimate bond, and and raise an army together. They launch a siege on Rome, targeting plebeian properties and sparing patrician ones. Supplicants are sent to Antium to beg for mercy, but their cries fall on deaf ears.
Volumnia comes to make a final plea to her son— her relationship with him wins out over his bond with Aufidius. Mama’s boy Coriolanus ends the siege. Rome honors her as a hero.
The Volscians/Aufidius feel betrayed by Coriolanus, as do the Romans. He has managed to make every person in his life distrust him and his motivations. Aufidius and the Romans join forces to put on a trial, accuse him of treason, and murder him. Aufidius lands the final blow. Immediately, the Volscians grieve him, and call for an honorable burial.