Shakespeare plays Caius Martius, later known as CORIOLANUS

Illustration: Shakespeare plays Coriolanus dressed in classical style; he looks furious, holding a bloodied sword and shaking his fist

Thumbnail: Shakespeare on stage. Use as a link to the full-size illustration

Railing at his fleeing troops, the relentless killing-machine Caius Martius is about to really lose his temper and attack the city of Corioles and its army singlehandedly.
Coriolanus
Act 1 Scene 4

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What Menenius said
about Coriolanus:

"What his breast forges, that his tongue must vent, and being angry, he does forget that ever he heard the name of Death."

Coriolanus
Act 3 Scene 1