Act 1 Scene 1

Scene Outline
The opening scene of the play. Two Roman soldiers, Philo and Demetrius, discuss how their general, Mark Antony has lost all interest in his role as one of the three leaders (triumvirs) of the Roman Empire, and the duties that come with it, after falling in love with Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt. Antony and Cleopatra, accompanied by Cleopatra's ladies and eunuchs enter, as Cleopatra implores Antony just how much he loves her. A messenger from Rome greets them, to which Antony responds by stating that he has little interest in hearing the news of Rome, but Cleopatra tells him to listen.

Antony
In the opening and closing lines of the scene, Philo and Demetrius discuss how Antony was once a fearless general who had fought many battles, and is a member of the Roman Triumvariate, but now he has become a "strumpet's fool", now only focused on his 'love' for Cleopatra.

Cleopatra
Compared to many of her other appearances throughout the play, Cleopatra is notably calm in this scene, despite mocking and teasing Antony about orders from Rome.

Analysis
In this scene, we see that Antony is willing to shirk his duties as a member of the Roman Triumvirate (lines 35 and 36) so that he can stay with Cleopatra in Egypt. This shows just how far Antony is willing to go to stay with Cleopatra, despite her suggestions that he should hear what the messenger (from Rome) has to say and return to Rome. Antony's decision to not heed her advice here can be seen by many as quite a foolish decision, as his statements revealing his overall disrespect and disregard for the Roman Empire and Octavius Caesar have been overheard by Philo and Demetrius, who frown upon his opinions and conduct.

Cleopatra's mocking and teasing of Antony regarding his claims of love for her and the potential of orders arriving from Rome and then suggesting that he should listen to the Roman messenger who arrives and return to Rome if necessary show how manipulative Cleopatra is.