The truly tragic figure in Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra is Cleopatra. Discuss

The truly tragic figure in Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra is Cleopatra. Discuss Barbara Everett rightly claims that the play ‚‘is continually suggestively of different kinds and categories of drama.‚ This is not simply a tragedy and no character is simply and ‚‘truly‚ tragic. However, Cleopatra, Antony and Enobarbus have tragic elements ‚ grandeur, nobility, fateful misjudgements and a fall from the heights ‚ as well as lesser qualities. It would be true to add, though, that Cleopatra is the dominating presence in the play.Even the hard-bitten Enobarbus is captivated by her, telling Antony he is ‚‘blest‚ to have met her. In his great speech in Act 2:2, she is presented as queen, ricer goddess, rival to Venus and exquisite work of art. Gold, silver, mermaids, nymphs, perfumes and the enchanting sound of flutes combine to create a sensual paradise. This picture-painting is one f the chief means whereby Shakespeare establishes Cleopatra‚s greatness; not moral or spiritual, but into the realm of myth: ‚‘Age can not wither her, nor custom stale/ Her infinite variety.‚English: The Battle of Actium, 2 September 31 BC, ...