Saturninus: The Emperor Who Makes Everything Worse
First appears: Act 1, Scene 1
Saturninus is elected emperor with Titus's support in Act 1, then immediately turns on his benefactor when Titus's brother offers his own candidacy. He is petty, vain, and easily manipulated by Tamora.
His role in the play is largely structural: he provides the imperial power that Tamora needs to operate and the legitimacy that prevents Titus from fighting back directly. His decisions consistently make everything worse.
He kills Titus in Act 5 and is immediately killed by Lucius. His reign lasts about two hours of stage time.
Key Scenes
Famous Quotes
“Why, lords, what wrongs are these! was ever seen An emperor in Rome thus overborne.”
Saturninus — Act 4, Scene 4
“A goodly lady, trust me; of the hue That I would choose, were I to choose anew.”
Saturninus — Act 1, Scene 1
Themes
Other Characters in Titus Andronicus
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