Marullus is a character in William Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar. He is a tribune of Rome and a staunch supporter of the Roman Republic. Marullus plays a significant role in the play, although he appears in only a few scenes.
Marullus is introduced in Act I, Scene I, alongside his fellow tribune, Flavius. Together, they are the first to notice the growing popularity of Julius Caesar among the common people. They are deeply concerned about Caesar's rise to power and the potential threat it poses to the Roman Republic. Marullus believes that the people's sudden adoration for Caesar is fickle and dangerous, as it undermines the principles of democracy and the authority of the Senate.
In Act I, Scene I, Marullus and Flavius encounter a group of commoners celebrating Caesar's triumphant return to Rome. Marullus expresses his disapproval of the crowd's actions, calling them "idle creatures" who change their loyalties easily. He scolds them for forgetting their allegiance to Pompey, a former Roman general and senator who was defeated by Caesar. Marullus and Flavius proceed to remove decorations and symbols honoring Caesar, attempting to restore order and remind the people of their duty to Rome.
Marullus's primary role in the play is to highlight the fickleness of the common people and their susceptibility to manipulation. He serves as a voice of reason and a staunch defender of the Roman Republic's values. Marullus understands the dangers of blindly following a charismatic leader and strives to awaken the people to the reality of Caesar's true intentions.
Unfortunately, Marullus's efforts to expose the mob mentality are short-lived. He and Flavius are silenced by Caesar's supporters and subsequently stripped of their positions as tribunes. This serves as a stark reminder of the power Caesar holds over the Roman populace and the consequences of opposing him.
Although Marullus's role in the play may be brief, his character serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic values and questioning authority. He represents the voice of reason in a world consumed by political ambition and serves as a cautionary figure for those who blindly follow charismatic leaders without considering the potential consequences.