Demetrius is a character in William Shakespeare's play, Titus Andronicus. He is one of the main antagonists in the play, known for his ruthless and violent nature. Demetrius is the son of Tamora, the Queen of the Goths, and he is driven by a desire for power and revenge.
From the very beginning of the play, Demetrius is portrayed as a cruel and sadistic character. He takes pleasure in tormenting others and does not hesitate to resort to violence to achieve his goals. Alongside his brother Chiron, Demetrius becomes an accomplice to their mother's plan to seek revenge on Titus Andronicus and his family.
In Act II of the play, Demetrius and Chiron commit a heinous crime that shocks the audience. They rape and mutilate Lavinia, the daughter of Titus Andronicus, as a way of exacting revenge on their enemy. This gruesome act highlights Demetrius complete lack of empathy and his willingness to go to any lengths to achieve his objectives.
Despite his initial success in carrying out his mother's revenge, Demetrius ultimately meets a tragic end. In a twist of fate, he becomes a victim of his own actions. Titus Andronicus, driven to madness by the loss of his daughter, seeks revenge on Demetrius and Chiron. He captures the two brothers and proceeds to kill them, serving them in a pie to their mother.
Demetrius downfall serves as a reminder of the consequences of one's actions and the destructive nature of revenge. His character serves as a foil to the more virtuous characters in the play, highlighting the moral decay and corruption that can result from a lust for power.
In conclusion, Demetrius is a complex character in Titus Andronicus. He embodies the dark side of human nature and serves as a catalyst for the tragic events that unfold in the play. Shakespeare's portrayal of Demetrius reminds us of the importance of empathy, compassion, and the dangers of unchecked ambition.