The title character and protagonist, Marcius, who is given the name Coriolanus after he leads the conquest of the city of Corioli, is a Roman from an ancient wealthy family. He is a brave soldier but he is unable to hide his contempt for the common people of Rome. Coriolanus' military success leads to the proposition of his election to the Senate, however, in order to take up a seat in the Senate, Coriolanus has to win the support of the common people. His attempts to do this result in him insulting the people of Rome instead and he is exiled from the city as punishment. To get his revenge on Rome, Coriolanus joins his former enemies, the Volscians commanded by Aufidius, to attack the city. Coriolanus' wife, mother and son beg him not to attack Rome. He eventually agrees to spare the city