Antony
A previously-successful Roman general, Antony has essentially gone into retirement following his humiliating defeat at Actium. As the play begins, his relationship with the beautiful Egyptian queen Cleopatra is unraveling. He is passionately attached to Cleopatra, unable to extricate himself from their intense relationship. Throughout the play he is described as possessing large and unsubtle feelings, which both make him a brave and great man, but can also undermine him.
Towards the end of the play, he attributes any political and military success he has had to his love for Cleopatra.
Cleopatra
Cleopatra is the infamous queen of Egypt who has already enjoyed a romantic relationship with Caesar before taking up with Antony. She is described as sexually irresistible, and expresses her love for Antony as passionately as he expresses his for her. While she wants to act in ethical and pure ways that reflect her commitment to Antony, she is easily swayed by the strategizing of her eunuch, and is not above manipulation.
Cleopatra is ultimately just as committed to Antony as she is to her, and when given the opportunity to live in Caesar's court, opts to kill herself instead.
Octavia
Octavia is Caesar's sister and wife to Antony. She travels to Egypt in order to convince Antony to return to his country and his family. She is presented as pure and noble-hearted, committed to doing what is right for her family and country. In this respect, she is the opposite of Cleopatra and Antony, who respond only to their passions.
Dolabella
Dolabella is one of Antony's dearest old friends. They had a very intimate friendship until Antony suspected Dolabella of being attracted to Cleopatra, his beloved. Dolabella comes to Rome in order to convince Antony to leave Egypt and returns to Rome.
Ventidius
Antony's old general, Ventidius is an older man who has Antony's best interest in mind. He consistently tries to convince Antony to leave Cleopatra behind and return to his life in Rome in order to uphold his political power. In spite of his desire to help, he misinterprets certain events and does not do a good enough job of preventing Antony from falling back into his codependent relationship with Cleopatra. At the end of the play, he chooses to kill himself instead of killing Antony.
Serapion
A priest of Isis who portends bad fortune for Rome.
Alexas
Alexas is Cleopatra's eunuch, and the closest thing the play has to an antagonist. Throughout the play, he conspires to keep Cleopatra and Antony together while also protecting himself, which leads to chaos and tragedy. He is also a tragic figure, who is depicted as lying only to maintain his precarious position in society. He is ultimately captured by the Roman troops.
