Caligula: character motivation and interaction

Caligula’s power and divinity: Caligula’s desire for dominance is a primary motivation; he claims he is a god and wants all to recognize his divine status.
Struggle with mortality: His fear and inability to come to terms with mortality represents another driving force that instigates his unpredicted actions.
Seeking the impossible: His constant demand for the impossible, symbolised by his longing for the moon, reflects his dissatisfaction with the limitations of human existence.

Helicon’s loyalty: As Caligula’s loyal servant, Helicon is driven by his unwavering loyalty, blindly following Caligula’s commands.
Cherea’s resistance: Cherea, cautious and deeply concerned about Caligula’s despotic rule, is motivated to save Rome from Caligula’s tyranny.
Caesonia’s love: Caesonia loves Caligula unconditionally, and thus, she is used as a tool to enhance Caligula’s character development and complexity.

Caligula and Helicon: This interaction highlights Caligula’s authority and often irrational decisions, and Helicon’s acquiescence emphasises his loyalty and submissive nature.
Caligula and Cherea: Their exchanges are often tense and confrontational, symbolising the opposition to Caligula’s rule. Their conflict escalates to Cherea’s ultimate decision which brings about the tragic conclusion.
Caligula and Caesonia: Their relationship is passionate yet destructive, representative of the effects of Caligula’s tyranny on personal relationships.