Shakespeare uses the theme of power in Coriolanus to add to his social commentary against his flawed society outside of the play. He uses his portrayal to question the validity of the power held by authoritative figures in his own world.
This is most apparent in Caius Martius. Martius is described to us as an incredible war hero, who's accomplishments on the battlefield are met by no other Roman. However, we're also introduced to him as an uncaring, cruel leader who holds no respect for his own people. In Martius' run to take the position of Consul, we're told through the opinion of the people that Martius is unfit for the role. His military intelligence and power don't translate to political power. By presenting Martius as a capable man on the battlefield and an incapable on the political field, Shakespeare questions if it's appropriate to assume that one type of power translates to another.
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