Shakespeare's Cleopatra in "Antony and Cleopatra" : Complex Inscrutable, Indefinable Heroine

Artistic Representation of Cleopatra

In Antony and Cleopatra, Shakespeare crafts Cleopatra as one of his most complex, multifaceted characters—a heroine full of contradictions that render her inscrutable and captivating. Cleopatra is layered with traits that seem to conflict yet define her richness as a character. She is, by turns, playful and proud, intelligent and sensual, calculating and vulnerable. Described with titles such as "lass unparalleled" and "royal wench," Cleopatra embodies a spectrum of qualities that defy singular categorization.

 Cleopatra’s relationship with Antony begins with elements of enchantment and seduction, but as the play progresses, it reveals a profound depth. Shakespeare hints that her feelings evolve from superficial allure to a passionate commitment. She is also unpredictable—capable of wit and tenderness but also of explosive reactions, as seen in her violence toward the messenger, an outburst driven by jealousy and insecurity. This blend of traits captures her volatility and emotional intensity, suggesting a love for Antony that transcends mere attraction and reaches a nearly divine level of devotion.  

Critic H. Granville Barker captures Cleopatra's complexity, describing her as "quick, jealous, imperious, mischievous, malicious, flagrant, subtle," yet simultaneously "delicate." Barker's analysis points to Cleopatra’s mercurial nature, underscored by Shakespeare's use of rhythmic, light verse to convey her allure and quick wit. Cleopatra’s ultimate act, her suicide, is both a personal and political statement, merging sensuality with a stoic bravery that elevates her to near-mythical status. In dying, she transcends earthly confines, seeking eternal unity with Antony in an afterlife of "bliss."

 Cleopatra is an enchanting sorceress. It is ambiguous if she really betrayed Antony at Actium. Does she love Antony? Shakespeare uses a retrospective, flashback method for the answer. The infinite variety precludes easy judgment. Plutarch disliked her, portraying her in unflattering light. Her violence towards the messenger indicates frustration and insecurity in love (Elizabeth temper?).

 Isis was represented as a cow where there is no physical fear Cleopatra shows courage. She can Egyptiamize even the high Roman fashion, transforming death into a sensuous pleasure. Shakespeare intensifies her in the final senses. Here poetry makes up for politics, lyricism files over materialism and love transcends power. The compassion and passion in her bridal outfit implies that she is one her way to facilitate her reunion with Antony in the Kingdom beyond death, in the realm of the blest, “Where souls do couch on flowers”. Cleopatra will remain Cleopatra. Shakespeare’s use of the word “bliss” (1/3/35-8) suggests the quasi-divine nature of their love which will blossom again in Elysium.

As Shakespeare’s Cleopatra defies conventional roles and expectations, she becomes comparable to Hamlet—a character torn between action and introspection, a personification of imagination and emotion over reason. Cleopatra stands as one of Shakespeare’s most vivid and enduring female characters, her life and love marked by an "infinite variety" that challenges any attempt to define her fully. In her, we see the triumph of imagination and spirit, forever etched in the richness of Shakespeare's verse.

Ardhendu De