Coriolanus

Back in Rome, word reaches the city that the Volsces have been defeated and that Coriolanus acted with incredible bravery during the battle. Menenius speaks with the tribunes, praising Coriolanus for his courageous nature, while the tribunes complain that he hates the common people of Rome. Menenius insults the tribunes, calling them manipulative and suggesting that they only really care about maintaining their own political power, not protecting the plebeians.

Volumnia and Virgilia come to greet Coriolanus as he returns to the city. Volumnia is thrilled to hear that her son has more wounds and has been awarded another oak crown for his deeds. Coriolanus enters and greets his mother and his wife. He asks his wife why she is crying, joking that if he had died she would have laughed, since her reaction seems the opposite of what it ought to be. Before he returns home, he tells them that he must go to the senate, where he hopes to be named consul.

Outside of the senate, several officers discuss their impression of Coriolanus. One officer doubts his candidacy for the position of consul, worrying that he is very proud and disdains the plebeians.