Throughout the Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," it may seem that Julius Caesar is the protagonist, however it is Brutus who assumes the central role of tragic hero. Brutus, unlike Caesar, exhibits the three key identifiers of a tragic hero. First, he demonstrates potential greatness in his depth of character: he has amazing skills as a social navigator, a lust for power, and a keen sense for Roman politics. Collectively, these traits aid him in attaining the status a Roman Senator and fostering a close friendship with Caesar himself. Second, Brutus exhibits the tragic flaw that eventually causes his downfall, in that he instills too much trust into those whose loyalty was bound to waiver. This is exemplified in the funeral oration delivered by Mark Antony, in which Brutus is sanctioned a killer by the Roman populace. Finally, his downfall evokes pity from the reader of the story; because Brutus was so noble and righteous before the conspirators asked for him to join them, one cannot help but to pity the circumstances which have befallen him. In the play, Brutus shows great potential and aspirations to acquire power and manipulate social situations so that he may become a leader. When Brutus was asked to join the conspirators, Cassius believed that Brutus was merely a figurehead of the operation and that he alone was destined to be the puppet-master behind the cunning ruse. However, Brutus had other intentions in mind, as he singlehandedly took control of the conspirators and usurped the command of Cassius over the group. This demonstrates his excellent leadership skills, and the pure lust to gain more power. Brutus also grapples with his morals as a Roman citizen while contemplating his own complicity and guilt in the murder of Caesar. This moral dilemma occurs because he previously said to Cassius “I would not” kill him and that he “love[s] him well” (I.II.89). However he justifies it as the right thing to have done in order to