In Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Cassius is the leader of the conspiracy against Caesar. Cassius resents Caesar’s growing power and works to recruit influential Romans, especially Marcus Brutus, whose reputation for honor could make the assassination appear patriotic rather than personal.
Cassius persuades Brutus by sending forged letters that seem to represent Roman public opinion. Brutus eventually joins the plot, and his participation becomes crucial, but Cassius is the conspiracy’s chief organizer and driving force. The group also includes Casca, Decius Brutus, Cinna, Metellus Cimber, Trebonius, and others.
A common mix-up is answering Brutus. Brutus is the most morally conflicted conspirator and often receives greater dramatic attention; critics even debate whether he is the play’s tragic hero. However, Cassius initiates the plan and brings Brutus into it. The conspirators kill Caesar on the Ides of March, after which Mark Antony and Octavius defeat them at Philippi.