Final answer:
The common people of Rome, or plebeians, are best described as fickle due to their changing loyalties influenced by political reforms and leaders.
Step-by-step explanation:
The common people of Rome, known as plebeians, can be best described as fickle. During the Roman Republic, the plebeians often struggled for equal rights, and their loyalty could be influenced by political reforms and leaders who advocated for them, such as the populares faction. The Roman society was characterized by a sharp division between the patrician elite, who held most of the power, and the plebeians, who, despite some advances, generally had fewer privileges and could be easily swayed by political changes or charismatic leaders. This fickleness is part of what led to significant social upheaval and the ultimate transition from Republic to Empire.
Patricians, on the other hand, were the ruling elite and were seen as the more stable force in Roman politics, although this does not specifically correlate to their loyalty or cruelty. The description of Roman citizens being fickle aligns with historical accounts of how common people's support could quickly shift between different leaders and causes, influenced by reforms and promises made to improve their societal standing.