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Abstract
This thesis explores three distinct characterizations of Cleopatra: Plutarch’s Life of Antony, Cleopatra (1963), and Assassin’s Creed: Origins. The first being an ancient source, Plutarch’s Life of Antony establishes the foundation of Cleopatra’s later depictions as an active, feminine presence that negatively influences both the men in her life and the Egyptian people that she rules. This characterization of Cleopatra as a negative influence changes little within the next two sources, both within the epic film and the role-playing video game. Through an analysis of verbal usage, body placement and camera angle, all three sources similarly depict Cleopatra’s characterization despite the thousands of years that span between Plutarch and later sources.