What is Shakespeare’s larger purpose in his characterization of Coriolanus in Act I?

Shakespeare's play, "Coriolanus" demonstrates a social hierarchy. This is evident in the first scene of Act I of the play. At this point the audience can conclude that Shakespeare's purpose of his characterization of Coriolanus in Act I is to determine Coriolanus' importance in the play through social hierarchy. The character of Coriolanus is further characterized throughout the first act. Due to "Coriolanus" being a political play, there are opinions everywhere, especially from enemies and civilians. This causes conflict within the play and helps to develop the story line.

Coriolanus' place on the social hierarchy is what leads to his actions throughout Act I. He is a Roman general as well as a warrior, and is therefore in the upper class of the social hierarchy.  He seems to have two sides to him. The side that is liked by the people, and the side that is not. In the first scene of the first act, Coriolanus is depicted to be somebody who is strongly disliked by the civilians of Rome. This is due to a famine, and the higher class keeping the majority of the grain for themselves. Due to this situation, the First Citizen comes forward saying, "First, you know Caius Marcius is chief enemy to the people." Everyone else agrees by saying, "We know't, we know't." Then, the First Citizen concludes to, "Let us kill him, and we'll have corn at our own price." As this is only the beginning of the play, the audiences first impression of Coriolanus is that he is a selfish, inconsiderate man of power, hence his first side.

Coriolanus' second "side" is established before and during the battle of taking over Corioles. This side is revealed when the Second Citizen says, "Consider you what services he has done for his country?" This immediately creates two sides to the character of Coriolanus. First we think he is the bad guy, but then we begin to think that he may be the good guy. Whilst battling Corioles, Coriolanus leads the men, and eventually takes on the Volscians himself. This demonstrates the bravery of a classic hero, who typically saves the day for his land and people.

Overall, these "two sides" to Coriolanus can be interpreted to be Shakespeare's purpose as to the way he characterizes him in Act I. Creating these two sides also creates conflict. This conflict will be seen between enemies, allies, and other characters throughout the play. Therefore, Shakespeare’s larger purpose in his characterization of Coriolanus in Act I is to create the conflict in order to set up the story line for the remainder of the play, using the two sides of the main character Coriolanus.