Brutus's Use Of Manipulation In Julius Caesar

In the play "Julius Caesar", Shakespeare displays his characters as being manipulative and persuasive. This is illustrated in various parts of the play, such as at the beginning when Brutus was manipulated by Cassius, and then again when Antony manipulated the Roman citizens.

Shakespeare first introduces the technique of manipulation and persuasion at the beginning of the play through the character of Cassius. Cassius had sinful plans in his mind and needed others to join this conspiracy against Julius Caesar.

Cassius knew that Brutus had a low self esteem and by boosting his confidence he knew that he could convince Brutus to side with him. Cassius then brings the good of Rome to Brutus' attention knowing that Brutus always wanted to do what was best for the people. This allows Cassius to manipulate Brutus into joining the conspiracy because he speaks very poorly of Caesar and tells him that it is for the good of the Roman citizens if Caesar was not the ruler.
Cassius says "For who so firm that cannot be seduced? Caesar doth bear me hard; but he loves Brutus : If I were Brutus now and he were Cassius, he should not humor me." Shakespeare shows that Cassius wanted to kill Caesar because of personal greed but purposely made Brutus think he was only doing this for the good of the people. If Cassius had not persuaded Brutus to join the conspiracy then Brutus would have never been in the situation of having to kill the noble Julius