Antony and Cleopatra

• Mark Antony, ruler of the eastern Roman Empire, is enthralled by Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. He's neglecting Rome for love • "Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety" — Cleopatra is the most magnetic character in Shakespeare • Antony's political marriage to Octavia (Caesar's sister) fails — he returns to Egypt. Octavius Caesar prepares for war • The Battle of Actium: Cleopatra's fleet flees mid-battle. Antony follows her. His military reputation is destroyed • Antony oscillates between rage at Cleopatra and helpless devotion. She manipulates, loves, and genuinely needs him • Caesar's forces advance on Egypt. Antony challenges Caesar to single combat (ridiculous — Caesar is young and cautious) • False report: Cleopatra sends word she's dead. Antony falls on his sword — but doesn't die immediately • Carried to Cleopatra's monument, Antony dies in her arms. "I am dying, Egypt, dying" • Caesar wants to parade Cleopatra in triumph through Rome. She refuses to be humiliated • Cleopatra applies an asp to her breast. "Give me my robe, put on my crown" — she stages her death as a royal ceremony • Caesar finds her dead, beautifully composed: "She looks like sleep, as she would catch another Antony in her strong toil of grace" • The play's scope is enormous — Rome, Egypt, Athens, the Mediterranean world. Shakespeare's most geographically expansive play