What is the report given by Casca in Act I, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar?

Publius Servilius Casca in Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar might be considered a minor character. He has few speaking parts, appearing to be little more than an informer for Brutus and Cassius. On the other hand, Casca, a respected Roman senator, draws and lands his sword first in Caesar’s assassination.

After Caesar and his party leave for other public events, Casca comes by invitation to speak to Brutus and Cassius. He describes the events that have...

Publius Servilius Casca in Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar might be considered a minor character. He has few speaking parts, appearing to be little more than an informer for Brutus and Cassius. On the other hand, Casca, a respected Roman senator, draws and lands his sword first in Caesar’s assassination.

After Caesar and his party leave for other public events, Casca comes by invitation to speak to Brutus and Cassius. He describes the events that have occurred in the recent Lupercal celebration.

• First, Antony offered the symbolic crown to Caesar three times; Caesar refused it three times.


• Secondly, the crowd appeared glad that Caesar had refused the crown.

This prompted Casca to say, "Why, there was a crown offered him: and being offered him, he put it by with the back of his hand, thus; and then the people fell a- shouting."

• Next, Casca notes that Caesar wanted to take the crown but resisted. From this episode, Casca describes that Caesar has a seizure possibly prompted by the crown incident.

Casca: Caesar refused the crown that it had almost choked Caesar; for he swooned and fell down at it: and for mine own part, I durst not laugh, for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air.

• After Caesar awoke, he apologized. According to Casca, Caesar could have done anything and the crowd would have supported him.


• Cicero spoke out but it was in Greek...Casca could not understand what he had said.


• Lastly, Casca conveyed the news that the soldiers Flavius and Murellus have been punished for taking the drapings from Caesar’s statues.

The reader learns that Casca is both cynical and two-faced. He wants to laugh when Caesar falls down during his seizure, yet he quiets the crowd for Caesar to speak. Furthermore, he answers rudely when Cassius asks him to dinner.

Casca, a minor player, plays a larger role than perceived in the assassination of Caesar. Unfortunately for Casca, his celebration is short since he meets his demise on the same day Caesar dies.