Is Brutus in Julius Caesar an honest man?

Brutus is portrayed as an honest, noble man throughout the play Julius Caesar. Brutus is initially manipulated into joining the conspirators after Cassius presents several moving arguments that depict Julius Caesar as an ambitious, power-hungry individual who wishes to usurp power and rule Rome as a monarch. Brutus reluctantly decides to join the conspirators but takes time to contemplate his decision. Brutus's soliloquy in act two, scene 1 reveals his honest nature, as he privately admits that he has no animosity toward Caesar while also proving that he is concentrated on the well-being of the Roman populace. Brutus says,

"It must be by his death, and for my part I know no personal cause to spurn at him But for the general. He would be crowned" (Shakespeare, 2.1.10–13).

Unlike the other senators, who wish to advance their status and wealth by assassinating Caesar, Brutus has no selfish intentions, which is evident during his argument with Cassius in act four, scene 3. Brutus chastises Cassius for selling political offices and reveals his honesty by telling Cassius,

"There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats, For I am armed so strong in honesty That they pass by me as the idle wind, Which I respect not" (Shakespeare, 4.3.70–73).

In act five, scene 5, Brutus's reputation as an honest man with integrity precedes him and is revealed when Mark Antony says,

"This was the noblest Roman of them all.All the conspirators save only he Did that they did in envy of great Caesar. He only in a general honest thought And common good to all, made one of them" (Shakespeare, 5.5.73–77).