"Breaking all conventional rules of drama, Shakespear creates neither a clear-cut hero nor a villain. Instead, this great tragedy presents complicated human beings in agonizing conflict with one another, and themselves."--Container.

The epic saga of legendary Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt, and her attempt to stabilize her power and gain control of the Roman Empire. When Caesar visits Egypt, Cleopatra gains control by ousting her brother with his help. She marries Caesar, and bears him the son fate had previously denied him. Joining him in Rome--to ensure that the boy takes his rightful place after his father--her plans are thwarted when Caesar is assassinated and she must flee....