Plutarch's Parallel Lives is a collection of biographies that pairs notable Greeks and Romans to highlight their virtues and vices through comparative analysis. Each pair consists of a Greek and a Roman figure with similar attributes, such as Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, or Pericles and Fabius Maximus. Plutarch's work not only provides detailed accounts of these historical figures but also offers moral and ethical reflections on their lives. Shakespeare drew on Plutarch's biographical sketches for inspiration in his plays, particularly in works like Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra. Plutarch’s vivid character studies and moral insights helped Shakespeare develop complex characters and dramatic plots, emphasizing themes of ambition, honor, and fate.
