In Antony and Cleopatra, what is the name of the Egyptian queen?

In Antony and Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen is Cleopatra. Shakespeare presents her as Cleopatra, the ruler of Ptolemaic Egypt and Mark Antony's passionate political and romantic partner.

The play dramatizes the relationship between Antony, one of the leaders of the Roman Second Triumvirate, and Cleopatra, whose court is based in Alexandria. Their connection draws Antony away from Rome and into a world Shakespeare contrasts with Rome's military discipline and political restraint. Cleopatra is not merely a love interest: she is a sovereign who commands armies, manages diplomacy, and shapes the conflict.

Shakespeare based much of the story on Plutarch's Life of Mark Antony, transmitted to English readers through Thomas North's 1579 translation. The play follows the lovers through the political struggle with Octavius Caesar, including the Battle of Actium in 31 BC and their eventual defeat in Egypt.

Cleopatra's attendants Iras and Charmian are often confused with her because they remain close to her throughout the play. Octavia is also connected to Antony, but she is Octavius's sister and Antony's Roman wife. Cleopatra is the Egyptian queen named in the title and the central Egyptian ruler.