Caius Martius is a fiercely proud Roman patrician and soldier who receives the honorific name "Coriolanus" after his military triumphs. Raised to value martial prowess above all else, he is deeply devoted to Rome but holds absolute contempt for its common citizens. He believes the plebeians are unworthy of political power due to their lack of military service and general cowardice in battle. His uncompromising temper makes him a terrifying force on the battlefield but poorly suited for the diplomacy of civic life.

Volumnia is the formidable, patriotic mother of Caius Martius Coriolanus. She equates violence and military victory with masculine virtue, proudly celebrating the wounds her son receives in combat. Her strong will and rhetorical skill give her immense sway over her son, allowing her to shape his worldview and command his respect in ways no other Roman can.

Menenius is an older Roman patrician known for his rhetorical prowess and his relatively favorable reputation among the common people. He acts as a mediator between the angry plebeians and the aristocratic senate. Deeply affectionate toward Caius Martius Coriolanus, he serves as an advisor who constantly tries to excuse his friend's explosive temper to the public.

Attius Tullus Aufidius is the fierce leader of the Volsces, a rival Italian tribe frequently at war with Rome. He harbors a deep hatred for Caius Martius Coriolanus, matched only by his profound respect for the Roman's military skill. He is driven by a consuming desire to best his rival in single combat, viewing their battles as the ultimate test of his own worth.

Virgilia is the gentle and compassionate wife of Caius Martius Coriolanus. Unlike her fierce mother-in-law and battle-hardened husband, she shrinks from violence and sheds tears at the thought of bloodshed. Her quiet, vulnerable nature stands in direct contrast to the militaristic culture of the Roman patricians.

Cominius is a Roman consul and the highest military commander in the war against the Volsces. He is a steadfast patrician leader who greatly admires Caius Martius Coriolanus's valor. He attempts to reward and honor his soldiers properly, recognizing the extraordinary martial gifts of his subordinates.

Sicinius is one of the newly appointed tribunes tasked with representing the voice of the plebeians in the Roman government. He is politically cunning and deeply distrustful of the patrician class. He views the military hero's extreme pride as a direct threat to the newly won rights of the commoners.

Brutus is a tribune of the people, elected to ensure the plebeians' interests are protected from aristocratic overreach. Working closely with his partner, he is quick to spot the dangers of concentrating too much power in the hands of an arrogant military hero who openly despises the working class.

Titus Lartius is an older Roman commander assisting in the siege of the Volscian city of Corioles. He is a practical and experienced military man who marvels at the terrifying, almost superhuman fighting ability of his younger comrade-in-arms.

Valeria is a gentlewoman and friend to the women of Coriolanus's household. She brings an upbeat, social energy to the home and openly praises the aggressive, martial traits she observes in Coriolanus's young son.

Young Martius is the son of Caius Martius Coriolanus and Virgilia. He is raised in the shadow of his father's immense military reputation and already demonstrates the fierce, combative spirit encouraged by Roman patrician society.

Adrian is a Volscian soldier and spy gathering intelligence on the political unrest occurring within Rome. He serves as an informant for his leaders regarding the shifting power dynamics among the Roman elite.

Nicanor is a Roman traitor who passes along valuable intelligence about the conflicts between the patricians and the plebeians. He monitors the internal divisions plaguing the republic and supplies this information to Rome's enemies.