Britannicus: Analysis of Major Characters
"Britannicus" is a tragic play that centers around the intense power struggles within the Roman imperial family following the death of Emperor Claudius. The character Britannicus, son of Claudius, becomes a pawn in the competing ambitions of his mother, Agrippine, and his half-brother, Néron. Agrippine, a formidable figure, initially secures the throne for Néron but soon fears losing control over him, prompting her to plot Britannicus's replacement. Néron, feeling suffocated by his mother's influence and threatened by her schemes, resorts to the extreme act of poisoning Britannicus, marking the beginning of his tyrannical reign.
Other important characters include Junie, Britannicus's loyal betrothed, who remains steadfast even after his death, and Narcisse, Britannicus's tutor, who exploits the darker aspects of Néron's character. Burrhus, Néron's other tutor, represents a contrasting influence, striving to cultivate Néron's better instincts. Additionally, figures such as Albina, a confidante of Agrippine, and Pallas, a freedman and adviser, further complicate the intricate web of power dynamics. The play encapsulates themes of ambition, betrayal, and the tragic consequences of the thirst for power within a familial context.
Britannicus: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Jean Racine
First published: 1670 (English translation, 1714)
Genre: Play
Locale: Rome, the palace of Néron
Plot: Tragedy
Time: 55 c.e.
Britannicus (brih-TA-nih-kuhs), the son of the dead Emperor Claudius. Used as the proving ground in the contest for power between Emperor Néron and Agrippine, he is finally poisoned in the struggle. His murder sets the pattern for the remainder of Néron's reign.
Agrippine (a-gree-PEEN), the widow of Emperor Claudius and mother of Emperor Néron. She wins the throne for her son; then, dominated by her lust for power, she attempts to continue her dominion over him. Fearing the diminution of her influence, she plots to replace Néron with Britannicus. Néron's violent reaction against her causes his first crime, the poisoning of Britannicus, and sets the direction of his destiny.
Néron (nay-ROHN), Agrippine's son and the emperor of Rome. Impatient under the yoke of his mother's domination, he learns of her plan to place Britannicus on the throne in his stead and commits the first of his many crimes, the murder of the would-be usurper.
Junie (zhew-NEE), Britannicus' betrothed, abducted by Néron, who falls in love with her and plans to divorce his wife in her favor. Junie remains faithful to Britannicus and becomes a priestess of Vesta after his death.
Narcisse (nahr-SEES), Britannicus' tutor, an opportunist who works on Néron's baser instincts.
Burrhus (BUR-uhs), Néron's tutor, who tries to emphasize the better elements in the emperor's character.
Albina (ahl-bee-NAH), a confidante of Agrippine.
Pallas (PA-luhs), a freedman, a friend and adviser to Agrippine.
Octavia (ohk-tah-VYAH), Néron's wife.