Facing a dire shortage of food and the possibility of famine, the citizens of Rome spill into the streets demanding the death of Caius Marcius, an aristocratic general. Menenius arrives, hoping to forestall the riot and calm the unruly citizens. He recites a fable to them, in an effort to defend the aristocracy and its actions. The people remain displeased until Menenius adds that they may elect tribunes, or judges, to represent them. The arrival of the arrogant Caius Marcius threatens to enflame the mob again until news of a military threat by the V oiscians, a neighboring tribe led by Tullus Aufidius, surfaces. The Roman consul, Cominius, his general, Lartius, and several senators urge Marcius to prepare for the defense of Rome. They depart and the tribunes Sicinius and Brutus- comment on Marcius's military prowess and excessive pride.

The scene shIfts to Corioles, where the...