I have recently begun studying a BA Honours in English Language and Literate. The first module is Arts past and present, focusing mainly on reputations, and this topic has interested me greatly. I must admit I am beginning to wish I had chosen to study History rather than English.
What do you mean by the Roman portrayal? Augustan propaganda demonized Antony as a lecherous and effeminate slave to Cleopatra, but of course they were trying to make him look bad in contrast to Octavian/Augustus.
Cleopatra is usually over exaggerated in both modern and ancient depictions of Antony, for various reasons. She is exotic and one of the few powerful women in ancient times, so we romanticize her today. Octavian emphasized her role to make it seem as though he was fighting a war with a foreign power rather than with another Roman triumvir.