The Powerful Persuasion of Plebeians The effectiveness of both speeches by Brutus and Antony in the play "The Tragedy of Julius Caesar," though is obvious to the audience, can be compared and contrasted. The play, written by William Shakespeare, invokes key aspects to whether each speech was successful or a failure. He created two powerful characters who bring the story to the climax quite well. Brutus was the first to speak, defending the conspirators, about their killing of Caesar. He tried to appeal to the audience emotions in hopes that they will accept their deed. Beginning by telling them that their welfare is in danger, he says "Had you