1. Caesar vs. Cassius and Brutus: The primary conflict revolves around the conspiracy led by Cassius and Brutus against Julius Caesar. They perceive Caesar as becoming tyrannical and fear his ambitions to become the sole ruler of Rome, threatening the traditional republican values.
2. Rome vs. the Conspirators: After Caesar's assassination, the Roman Senate, led by Mark Antony and Octavius, confronts the conspirators. The conflict escalates into a civil war between the forces loyal to Caesar and the conspirators.
3. Antony and Octavius vs. Brutus and Cassius: Following Caesar's death, Antony allies with Octavius to avenge Caesar's murder and defeat the conspirators, Brutus, and Cassius. This conflict culminates in the Battle of Philippi, where the conspirators are ultimately defeated.
4. Octavius vs. Lepidus: After the defeat of Brutus and Cassius, Octavius turns his attention to Lepidus, one of the triumvirs who had aided him in the civil war. Octavius seeks to consolidate power and eliminate potential rivals, resulting in a conflict between him and Lepidus.
5. Octavius and Antony vs. Pompey: Pompey emerges as another powerful figure in Rome, posing a threat to Octavius's and Antony's control. The conflict escalates into a naval battle, the Battle of Actium, which ends with the defeat of Pompey and the consolidation of Octavius's power.
These external conflicts fuel the drama and create a complex power dynamic in the play, leading to the rise of Octavius as the eventual victor and the establishment of the Roman Empire.