Gladiator Step Outline

March 27, 2014 by John Luke | 0 comments

  1. Maximus, also known as “the Spaniard” to many of the Roman citizens, leads the band of gladiators against the pretend Roman army in the Roman Coliseum in an attempt by the Emperor Commodus to re-create the “second fall of mighty Carthage.” Using his knowledge and skill as a former General in the Roman Army, Maximus defies historical fact and leads his “Carthaginians” to defeat the Roman army.
  2. Importantly, he does all of this under a mask, so the Emperor Commodus does not recognize him from their past—Maximus was named to be the next Emperor of Rome, so Commodus attempted to have him killed so that he could take over. To this point, Commodus believes that Maximus is dead.
  3. After watching Maximus and the other gladiators defeat the Roman Army in the Coliseum, he asks to meet this beloved gladiator who won the battle. Much of the reason that he asks to see him is because of his son, Lucius’s, fascination with “the Spaniard.”
  4. As Commodus comes down to the battleground of the Coliseum, the surviving gladiators are surrounded by Roman soldiers and forced to drop their weapons as the Emperor approached. A large gate opens, and Emperor Commodus walks out briskly as Lucius runs along beside him.
  5. Commodus first congratulates Maximus on his defeat, and then asks him to take off his helmet and reveal his true name to the crowd. Maximus first says his name is “Gladiator” and then turns his back to the emperor in disrespect. At this, Commodus commands him to remove his helmet and give his real name. After a moment of hesitation, Maximus removes his helmet, turns around, and gives his full name, identifying himself as a former commander in the Roman Army and accusing Commodus of murdering his wife and child, as well as trying to kill him, and swearing to have vengeance.
  6. Commodus is in disbelief. Immediately the Roman soldiers take arms, and the crowd begins to chant “live,” begging the Emperor to show mercy and let Maximus live. To relate his decision, Commodus gives a thumbs-up, giving the crowd what they want. Commodus turns and walks away, clearly upset by what has just happened. Maximus raises his hand to the crowd as they begin to chant “Maximus” and he walks out of the Coliseum.

Leave a Reply