How did William Shakespeare depict the Roman commoners?

In his plays, William Shakespeare often portrayed the Roman commoners as a fickle and easily manipulated group. They were often swayed by the speeches of demagogues and were quick to turn on their leaders. In particular, Shakespeare depicted them as being easily swayed by the opinions of the rich and powerful, and also susceptible to superstition.

In Julius Caesar, for example, the Roman commoners are portrayed as being easily swayed by the words of Mark Antony. Antony's speech at Caesar's funeral incites the commoners to riot and to turn against the conspirators who have killed Caesar. The commoners are also depicted as being superstitious and fearful. In the same play, they are easily swayed by the prophecies of the soothsayer.

Similarly, in Coriolanus, the Roman commoners are portrayed as being unruly and easily manipulated. They are quick to turn against Coriolanus, their former hero, when he is accused of treason. The commoners are also depicted as being ungrateful. They quickly forget the good deeds that Coriolanus has done for them and are quick to turn against him when he is in need.

Shakespeare's portrayal of the Roman commoners was likely influenced by his own experiences with the Elizabethan commoners. The Elizabethan commoners were often seen as being uneducated, superstitious, and easily manipulated by the rich and powerful. Shakespeare's plays reflect this view of the commoners, and his depiction of them in Julius Caesar and Coriolanus is consistent with the general view of the commoners in Elizabethan England.