Who Cleopatra is
Cleopatra rules Egypt, and her court in Alexandria offers a sharp contrast to the ordered, watchful world of Rome. With her attendants Charmian and Iras nearby, she teases Antony amid jokes, riddles and talk of pleasure. Her theatrical manner leaves open whether her performances and her genuine feelings can be separated.
What Cleopatra wants
Cleopatra wants both Antony and her throne, bringing her private feelings into the same struggle as her political power. When Antony leaves for Rome, she sends messengers after him and asks for news of his moods. Her jealousy and longing reveal how deeply his absence affects her, even as she plays on his feelings.
Cleopatra and the others in the story
Antony's love for Cleopatra draws him away from the Roman duties that others expect him to fulfil. His officer Enobarbus sees her tricks clearly, yet admires her and describes her powerful effect on Antony. Charmian shares Cleopatra's jokes and fears, offering a closer view of the queen beyond her exchanges with Antony.
Questions
Who is Cleopatra in Antony and Cleopatra?
Cleopatra is Egypt's queen and Mark Antony's lover, a ruler whose feelings are bound up with imperial politics.
What does Cleopatra want?
She wants to keep Antony's love while protecting her position as queen.
Is Cleopatra sincere about Antony?
She feels deeply for Antony, but she also tries to influence him. The play leaves her calculation and her sincere emotion side by side.