The importance of Ahenobarbus in Antony and Cleopatra In Shakespeare's play, Antony and Cleopatra, we are told the story of two passionate and power-hungry lovers. In the first two Acts of the play we are educated that they are entangled in an adulterous relationship and that both are forced to show their devotion to Caesar. In addition to learning about the strange love story between Antony and Cleopatra, we are introduced to some interesting supporting characters. The most important secondary character for the theme of the play is Enobarbus. Ahenobarbus is a high-ranking soldier in Antony's army who appears to be very close to his commander. We know this from the way Ahenobarbus is allowed to speak freely (at least in private) with Antony, and is often used as a person in whom Antony confides. We see Antony confiding in Ahenobarbus in Act I, Scene ii, as Antony explains how Cleopatra is "cunning beyond the thought of man" (I.ii.146). In response to this Ahenobarbus speaks very freely of his vision of Cleopatra, although what he says is very positive: ...her passions are made of nothing but the subtlest part of pure love. We cannot call it winds and waters, sighs and tears; they are storms and storms bigger than the almanacs can report. This cannot be cunning in her; if so, it rains rain as does Jupiter. (I, ii, 147-152) After Antony reveals that he has just learned of his wife's death, we are once again given an example of Ahenobarbus' freedom to speak his mind, as he tells Antony to "give to the gods a grateful sacrifice" (I.ii.162), essentially saying that Fulvia's death is a good thing. Obviously, someone would never say something like that unless they were in very close company. While acting as Antony's friend and promoter, Ahenobarbus introduces the public to some of the myths and legends surrounding Cleopatra. Probably his most important role in the play is to exaggerate the relationship between Antony and Cleopatra. Which he does so well in the following statements: When he first met Mark Antony, he shook his heart, on the River Cydnus. (II.ii.188-189) The barge on which he sat, like a burnished throne, burned on the water: the stern was of beaten gold; Purple the sails, and so perfumed that the winds suffered for love; the oars were of silver, (II.