Coriolanus characterisation in the first act

Throughout the first act of the Shakespearean political play Coriolanus, Martius is depicted as quite a tough character by Shakespeare. A character who prides himself on being a loyal servant to his City and would fight through thick and thin to gain an honourable rank, Shakespeare further portrays Martius as a patriotic, arrogant and valiant man. This play is far different from various other Shakespearean plays as Coriolanus’ genre is a stark contrast from the rest. Shakespeare utilises the political play genre to develop a character like Martius and further develop the conflict and climax of the play. In the opening scenes of the play, we notice the characterisation of Coriolanus as both hero and villain amongst the people in his city, this is due to his hatred toward the lower class. It is easily understood by the audience that Coriolanus has little or no liking toward the Plebeians as he belittles them saying, "What's the matter you dissentious rogues, that, rubbing the poor itch of your opinion, make yourselves scabs?” Furthermore, the two roles Coriolanus is given in the play contrasts each other, in the capitol building, he can be understood to be a cruel, harsh man who disregards the lower sects, yet on the battlefield his heroism and appetite to serve his City and people, he is seen as a man who is willing and ready to be elected consul as he will serve his people well. Moreover, Coriolanus’ character is further demonstrated as a loyal one who is willing to keep his word and grant what is promised, this is further highlighted when Coriolanus says “I’ll fight with none but thee; for I do hate thee worse than a promise-breaker”. Coriolanus’ appetite and desire to keep fighting and gain an honourable rank is fuelled by an external source to an extent, his mother, Volumnia acts as a catalyst to further develop Coriolanus as a valiant hero, this is made apparent when his mother states she "had rather had eleven sons die nobly for their country than one voluptuously surfeit out of action". Throughout the first act, Shakespeare utilises the genre as well as the setting to develop conflict. He creates a complex two-faced character, who is perceived as hero by some and villain by others. His characterisation of Coriolanus shapes his character for the rest of the play, in the first act his defeat of the Volsces allowed him to controversially be candidate for consul, which sparks further conflict.