Saturninus
Play
Summary
Saturninus is the elder son of the late Roman Emperor who claims the throne at the play's opening — petulant, vain, and easily manipulated. Titus's support makes him Emperor, but Saturninus immediately proves ungrateful and unstable: when Titus's son Bassianus claims Lavinia (who was betrothed to him), Saturninus petulantly pivots to marry Tamora instead, handing Tamora everything she needs to pursue her revenge. He is characterised throughout as weak and reactive, allowing Tamora to steer him against the Andronicus family and executing Titus's sons on the flimsiest evidence. He is killed by Lucius in the play's final bloodbath.
Notable Quotations
"A goodly lady, trust me; of a hue / That I would choose, were I to choose anew." *(1.1 — on Tamora, having just abandoned Lavinia)*
Cross-references
- Titus Andronicus — the play
- Tragedies
- character_tamora — the Empress who controls him
- character_titus — the general whose support he repays with injustice
- character_lucius_ta — the Andronicus son who kills him