Coriolanus (1972) Stratford / England Producer: RSC Playwright: William Shakespeare Character: Tullus Aufidius

Coriolanus was first printed in the Folio of 1623, in a text that is the basis of all modern editions. Shakespeare's principal source for the story of Coriolanus is a history written by Plutarch, of a Coriolanus who supposedly lived in ancient Rome. Shakespeare deviates from other literature that focuses on heroes by making Coriolanus a flawed man, whose martial excellence does not necessarily translate into goodness of character. Coriolanus is so proud he is unable to reconcile with the Roman people and, thus, seals his fate.